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Arts & Crafts Spring Show

By Caprice Benifield-Sanchez | Posted May 15, 2024


The Arts & Crafts Spring Show is now two days this year. This free event led by the Montgomery Arts Council, a subcommittee of the Economic Development Commission, will take place at 1060 Route 206, Princeton NJ, next to the airport on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 from 10 am to 4 pm. Over 25 artisans from all over the state will be participating this year, selling jewelry, woodwork, textiles, glass, ceramics, fine arts, and several specialty foods.


Timber Crafts by Mathieu Leger.


Karen Tuveson, chair of the Arts Council, said “Last year was the first time we hosted the Arts & Crafts show and we only had it for one day because we weren’t certain what kind of turnout we were going to get.” “We had such a strong positive response from both the participating artisans and from the attendees, that we decided to expand it to two days this year,” she said. “Attendees told us they had friends they wanted to tell about the show, but weren’t able to make it that day, and many of the participating craft artisans said they’d be happy to come back for a two-day show.”


Mathieu Leger, who owns ML TimberCrafts and sells bird houses and other outdoor products, is returning this year for three reasons, he said: the quality of the organization, it being an indoor show, and the quality of the audience and very nice people he met last year. Leger said, “As an artisan, you basically have two options, one is online sales like Etsy or else a craft show where you get the chance to meet your customers in person. It’s always a pleasure to meet someone that appreciates your work and to get some feedback.”


The artisans applied through an online artist call system called EntryThingy. Tuveson said, “All of the Arts Council shows are juried, meaning artisans submit 3-5 images of their work and a bio/artist statement through the call system. With instructions from us, a juror (outside art professional) selects the work for the show. We limit the number of participants to 28-32 because of the space.”


Urban Boho Chic Jewelry by Terry Fasano


Work is selected based on quality, uniqueness, and overall variety so that the show is interesting, she said. About a fourth of the applications are in the jewelry category. Jill Spiro is a botanical artist who makes eco-prints and scarves and will be representing her brand “little b natural organics” at the show. Spiro said, “I was inspired to participate by another vendor. She has done this show before and recommended it. I am excited to share my watercolor inspired, eco-printed art.”


Blake Kruse, owner of Blake’s Chocolates from Hillsborough, said he was scouted out at the Montgomery Farmers’ Market to submit his handcrafted chocolates and was approved to participate in the show. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand my business locally, as well as artistically. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, making connections and finding fresh inspiration,” Kruse said.


Blake’s Chocolates


Tuveson said, “The Arts Council is really excited to be welcoming this fantastic group of talented makers this year. We’re always humbled and deeply appreciative that they choose to share their work with our community.”



PARTICIPATING ARTISTS & CRAFTERS

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