When you hear the term “craft fair,” do monkeys made from socks, syrupy-sweet decoupage plaques with shih tzu puppies and tacky jewelry come to mind? OK. I get that. But I’m going to suggest it’s time for a paradigm shift here.
Every summer in August, for 10 days, artisans and artists who comprise the League of NH Craftsmen, gather to display their wares, conduct interactive demonstrations and charm their large fan base. The event, held at Mount Sunapee Resort, is the 92nd annual Craftsmen’s Fair. The fair holds the honor — and certainly the prestige — across New England and the country as one of the profession’s leading events. It’s also the first craft organization in the United States, having begun in 1932.
The League is today recognized as one of the country’s foremost fine arts organizations, setting the standard for fine hand crafts valued throughout the United States and around the world for their creativity, authenticity and technical expertise.
Kate Saunders, the League’s executive director, said in addition to supporting emerging artists, 45 craftsmen who have been League members for two-to-10 years will be featured alongside the veterans who have exhibited at the fair for over 40 years.