We all know that the last five years have been challenging
for everyone. Many shows have disappeared or contracted. For a while
Craftproducers seemingly led a charmed life. We had two successful shows in
Manchester at the perfect location, Hildene Meadows; we had two great shows in
Stowe, especially the Columbus Day Weekend show at the peak of foliage.
Then the roof fell in, so to speak. Hildene no longer wants events
on its property. To its credit, it gave our new location two years to establish
itself as the new Manchester Events Field. Riley Rink spent $175,000 to create
a level, well drained field. Well, we all know what happened. Last October it
rained and the field did not drain and our future in Manchester was in put jeopardy.
Since we were unable to feel confident in the new location
at Riley Rink, we decided to move the summer show, the Southern Vermont Art and
Craft Festival, to Bennington. Since we announced the move, momentum is
building with each passing week. We have met with numerous Bennington arts
organizations, chamber of commerce personnel, civic leaders, the influential Bennington
Museum, and local galleries. With the support of the local daily newspaper, the
Bennington Banner, the Town will stage its inaugural Bennington Arts Weekend.
We will be the anchor event for the weekend.
Two of our exhibitors at this year’s show attended a recent
meeting in Bennington. Here is what Sara Gay and Alan Klebanoff said about it,
“The meeting we just attended was positive, powerful and brimming with
wonderful ideas. I loved the idea of Bennington’s art, commerce and government
getting together to try and promote the fair as part of a full blown weekend of
events. The inclusion of the art community promoting the arts, the
transportation jitney idea of moving people from town to site, the business
community welcoming vendors as consumers to restaurants, camping sites and
travel inns......all leads to making a successful change of site from the
Manchester community. It appears from the point of a vendor we have
nothing to lose and all to gain. Also Bennington Museum wanting to host a
preview evening, a multiple pass to include other events in town, and the easy
access of having families come out because you will host potentially with the
Art Exchange opportunities for young artists can only makes this event more
attractive to all. Thank you for the opportunity to have a voice and be a
representative of the vendors’ community. I only hope that we can accomplish
these ideas.”
So, we are on the right track. All we need is you. We
passionately believe this show deserves a shot. Sign up. Don’t abandon the
Craft Movement. Together we can weather this storm and emerge prepared for a
sustainable crafts future with new markets; this is one. The venue is a lot
closer to Albany and the Berkshire where 75% of the Manchester audience came
from. In the middle of summer, they are more likely to come here. They will
enjoy the site too. There is even a large area with shade trees, providing a
lovely spot to enjoy lunch.
We have the enthusiastic support of the whole town and a
great venue. Booth fees start at just $400. Nothing in life is a sure thing but
this event demands that you put down a bet and join us.
To sign up click here.
