2011 Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival

This weekend, Meredith Village will come to life with live music, delicious food, and beautiful works of creativity as Main Street and the Mill Falls Marketplace are transformed into an outdoor art gallery featuring the works of over 70 local painters, sculptors, jewelers, potters, photographers, and quilters.

The Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 27^th and 28^th amongst the Meredith Village Shops and the Mill Falls Marketplace.  This annual event, organized by the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce, is an outdoor, juried exhibition and sale of fine arts and fine crafts.  Now in its 32^nd year, the festival has gained a solid reputation among New England artists and craftspeople, making it the largest quality arts and crafts event in the area.  Visitors will enjoy a wide variety of exhibits, including wildlife photography, metal and wood sculptures, stained glass, handmade jewelry, baskets, leather works, and abstract and traditional oil painting and watercolors.  All items in the show are original creations, and the artists will be available to meet with customers and talk about their craft.

Throughout the entire weekend, art lovers can enjoy live music as they browse the many booths.  Marc Elbaum and Christine Chaisson will play jazz, classic rock, and great American songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s on both Saturday and Sunday.  At 10am on Saturday, Mr. Phil, also known as Phil the Clown, will entertain folks of all ages with his unique blend of comedy, magic, and balloon tricks.  Phil and Janet Sanguedolce, who play classic folk and rock, will also be performing on Saturday.  On Sunday, Matt Smart will play modern blues and southern rock, and Jeremy and Amy Mathison will fill the air with their style of modern acoustic music.

Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic for this special event, but shuttle bus service will be available and will run continuously both days.  On the north end of town, there will be plenty of parking at Prescott Park, as well as at Belknap Family Health Center on Rt. 3 at the south end of town.  The shuttle will pick up passengers every 15 minutes and deliver them right to the festival!  The shuttle service and admission to the event is free.  For more detailed information, contact the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce at 603-279-6121.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

photo courtesy of the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce

Alton Old Home Day: a Lakes Region Tradition

This weekend, the Town of Alton, NH will be celebrating its roots, and the entire community is coming together with a variety of events that the whole family will enjoy.  With a vintage boat show, a craft fair, a parade, and a free concert at the bandstand, the weekend promises to conjure summer celebrations of yesteryear.

On Saturday, August 13^th, Alton Old Home Day will begin with a 5K Road Race at 9am.  This run is on a USATF Certified Course featuring computerized timing, traffic control, and prizes to runners in various categories, not to mention one of the most scenic runs in New Hampshire!

If you missed the 38^th Annual Lake Winnipesaukee Antique & Classic Boat Show at Meredith Town Docks a couple weeks ago, you have another chance to see some beautiful boats this Saturday at the Vintage Boat Show, organized by The New Hampshire Boat Museum as part of the Old Home Day festivities.  Several classic boats will be docked and on display from 9am – 12pm.  Come and vote for your favorite in the 2011 People’s Choice Award!

The Alton Old Home Day Craft Fair will be held from 9 am – 5pm at the Alton Bay Community Center and Railroad Square Park.  Admission is free, and visitors can find a vast selection of handmade New England items, including fine wood crafts, candles, fleece, stoneware pottery, Native American jewelry, fabric art, quilts, doll furniture, scroll saw fretwork, and handmade soaps.  The craft fair continues through Sunday, as well.

New this year is a public trail opening on Saturday at noon.  The John Racine Recreational Trail is the newest addition to the public trail system linking Alton Bay to the Alton Traffic Circle.  This new trail is located off of Depot Street and is a scenic, wide trail that is great for bikes, strollers, walking and running.  Alton is a pedestrian- friendly town that encourages folks to “leave the car behind and get outside, enjoy nature and exercise for better health.”

“Remembering the Past” is the theme of the Alton Business Association’s Old Home Day Parade, which takes place at 2:30pm and winds through the center of Alton, ending in Alton Bay.  This is a “good old fashioned parade” featuring individuals and businesses from the local community with floats and walking exhibits.  There’s a good chance of seeing some classic and antique cars, too…

The day wouldn’t be complete without music, and The Echo Tones will be at the bandstand with some fun party music—their own mix of oldies, classic rock, country, and blues.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy this special summertime treat by Lake Winnipesaukee!

If you are visiting the Lakes Region this weekend, you might want to swing by Alton Bay on Saturday… a day like this is the epitome of summer in New England!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

League of NH Craftsmen Lecture Series Comes to Chase House

Duane Martin's Mabry Mill

Would you like to meet some of New Hampshire’s most talented artists and craftspeople while learning about how they create their pieces?  Visitors to the Lakes Region will be able to do just that as The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls welcomes the League of NH Craftsmen’s summer lecture series to Meredith, NH.

The “Signature of Excellence” lectures, which will offer an in-depth view of the artistry and technique that goes into making fine handcraft, will be held on June 27^th, July 25^th, and August 15^th from 7 – 9pm in the Fireside Room of the Chase House.  These informative demonstrations will showcase three juried members of the League of NH Craftsmen, who are entertaining speakers as well as skilled artisans.

On Monday, June 27^th, Duane Martin of Newfields, NH will speak about his process of making 3D art from wood.  Intarsia is a form of woodworking that uses sections of wood of various shapes, sizes, and species, which are fitted together to create a mosaic-like picture that has an illusion of depth.  Duane will discuss his technique for making beautiful pieces of art, such as presidential portraits, New England landscapes, and images of wildlife.

Garden Sculpture by Michael Kraatz

Come see Michael Kraatz of Canaan, NH on Monday, July 25^th.  This respected artist, who works with his partner Susan Russell to create various forms of architectural glasswork, will talk about the process he uses to conceptualize, design, and fabricate a garden sculpture.  According to the couple’s website, their work is “conceived with artful consideration of its place in the environment and with the unique vision of the designer and client.”

The final lecture of the season will take place on Monday, August 15^th, when William Schnute of Wilton, NH will discuss his passion—wood carving. William has been carving wood since he was seven years old, and now carves finely detailed sculptures, doors, entryways, signs, and many other items.  This internationally known artist, who is also the author of High Relief Wood Carving, will share his process and technique with visitors to wrap up the summer lecture series.

William Schnute's Fawn Sculpture

These presentations are a wonderful opportunity to get up close to some fine artisans and their craft, and also to learn about the diverse artistic processes that keep New Hampshire a vibrant art community.  All lectures are free and open to the public, and reservations are requested, at least two weeks in advance if possible.  For more information, contact the League of NH Craftsmen’s Meredith Retail Gallery at 603-279-7920 or nhcraft@metrocast.net or visit their website.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Photos courtesy of the League of NH Craftsmen

Meredith Blacksmith Creates Beauty Throughout the Lakes Region and Beyond

Step into the Mill Falls Marketplace or Church Landing at The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls, and the first thing you’re likely to notice is the beautiful metalwork that enhances the charm of the historic structures.  These stunning pieces were crafted by local blacksmith David Little of Winnepesaukee Forge, who has been honing his craft in the Lakes Region for almost three decades.

“I guess I refer to myself as an artist-blacksmith,” says David.  “I do all sorts of different types of work, from sculpture, furniture, railings, and fireplace screens, to beds and gates and custom light fixtures.  There’s a bunch of my work at the Inns.  The first stuff that we did was for the Mill Falls Marketplace.  I did all the railings in the center that take you up and down the different floors in the old mill building, and some little in-fill panels, and that was some pretty early work.  That was in the early 80’s.”

More recently, David crafted some artisan pieces at Church Landing.  “I did some handmade fireplace screens in a rustic pine motif in the lobby and for the big fireplace in the Flagship Ballroom,” he says.  “I made a rustic railing that’s on the front steps, the first thing you see and touch when you go into the Inn at Church Landing.” Read the rest of this entry »

ChowderFest and Craft Festival This Weekend in Meredith

Meredith Village will be coming alive this weekend as the 12^th Annual Autumn Craft Festival and the 23^rd Annual Lakes Region ChowderFest converge on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee to celebrate New England’s most colorful season!

Hundreds sample chowder from CAMP at a previous ChowderFest

The Autumn Craft Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, October 2^nd and 3^rd, from 10am to 5pm at The Mill Falls Marketplace, where more than 75 craftspeople will display and sell their locally made pieces.  The juried show includes jewelry, woodcrafts, original paintings, pottery, fabric arts, photography, metal sculpture, stained glass, calligraphy, maple products, preserves, kettle corn, and much more!  There will also be gourmet food sampling, craft demonstrations, and live musical entertainment each day.  Admission and parking are free, and pets are welcome.

On Sunday, head across the street to Hesky Park for the ChowderFest.  This favorite annual event, organized by 98.3 WLNH, features local eateries competing for the “Chowder Bowl” and title of “Best Chowder in the Lakes Region.”  This year’s participating restaurants include T-Bones and Cactus Jack’s, The Weirs Beach Lobster Pound, Steele Hill Resort’s Hill Top Dining Room, Christmas Island Steakhouse, Lakeside Restaurant, and our own Lakehouse Grille at Church Landing.  Just $5 gets you a spoon, a sampling of some of the tastiest chowders in the area, and a ballot to vote for your favorite!  The ChowderFest takes place on Sunday, October 3^rd, from noon to 3pm, and benefits the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, a nonprofit organization founded in 1979 to conserve the natural heritage of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region.

The weather this weekend should be sunny and crisp – perfect for fair browsing and chowder tasting!  A trip to Meredith will be well worth it!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image courtesy of 98.3 WLNH

2010 Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival Starts Tomorrow!

Wow!  Another year has gone by already and it’s time for the Annual Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival.  This weekend, August 28^th and 29^th, come to Meredith, NH to enjoy beautiful original works of art and crafts, live music, and delicious food… this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Now in its 31^st year, The Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival is sponsored by the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce and is the area’s largest show and sale of fine arts and crafts.  This popular event is an outdoor, juried arts and crafts exhibition, featuring the high-quality works of over 110 artists and craftspeople.  Main Street in Meredith will be closed to traffic to make room for the show, which will be held among the Meredith Village Shops and the Mill Falls Marketplace.

This festival is always a great place to find treasures for yourself, or gifts for loved ones.  All of the exhibitors display and sell their own work, so you know you are supporting local artisans, and enjoying unique pieces.  Hope to see you there!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Images courtesy of the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce

The Guest House Beading Studio Provides Space for Creativity at Mill Falls Marketplace

The new store at the Marketplace is not just an ordinary shop.  Even the name conjures up a warm and inviting place that makes you feel at home.  Opened four years ago in Meredith Village, The Guest House of Meredith recently moved to the Mill Falls Marketplace.  It is a creative studio, where people can come to learn, share, and socialize while designing and creating everything from jewelry and accessories, to one-of-a-kind art pieces, and even lampshades.  The possibilities are endless!

J. Lynn, the artist and published jewelry designer behind the idea for the studio, opened The Guest House after retiring from social work, where she specialized in play and art therapy.  She says the mission of the studio is to help inspire creativity.  Guests are free to browse the beautiful designs of J. Lynn, or create a new piece “that will amaze your friends.”  The friendly and professional staff can also design and create a stunning “made-for-you” piece for any occasion.

The Guest House carries a wide range of stones, artist beads, crystals, and jewelry-making components.  They also have fibers, such as silk and wool, so guests can craft scarves, hats, and purses, and add beads for accent.  Clays and resins are available as well, for sculpture, belt buckles, and other art forms.

Guests can work on their pieces right in the store.  The studio offers table space for beading, stitching, and design assistance.  The studio is also available for gatherings, such as bridal parties and girls’ night out.  Snacks and spirits are welcome here!  To really get inspired, be sure to check the class schedule and sign up for some of the classes and workshops at The Guest House!

J. Lynn is proud to be promoting a project she started called “Beads for the Brave.”  This campaign donates beading supplies to women serving in the military overseas, where they use this art for physical as well as emotional healing.  She encourages folks to bring any beading or craft items into the store to be shipped to our brave fellow artists.

In addition to beading and art supplies, classes, and studio space, The Guest House provides jewelry repair services.  From simple repairs to complete restringing and redesign, the talented staff can bring any piece back to life.

The next time you’re in Meredith, take a stroll through the Mill Falls Marketplace and stop in at The Guest House.  You just may find something to spark your creativity!

Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival

It’s happening again!  Meredith will be abuzz with talented craftspeople and artisans peddling their wares on Saturday and Sunday, August 29th and 30th, 2009.   My wife and I try to make it a point to attend these events whenever time allows.   We are always so impressed by the the gathering of so many talented artists selling such an abundance of beautiful things, that we almost never leave the festival without some fine craft to treasure for ourselves or give as a gift.  If you too enjoy these types of events, this is one you should not miss! 

The Annual Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival is an outdoor, juried arts and crafts exhibition and sale of fine arts and fine crafts, celebrating its 30th year in 2009.  Featuring high quality works of over 110 artists and craftspeople, the Festival is held outdoors in Meredith, among the Meredith Village Shops and the Mill Falls Marketplace.  Main Street is closed to vehicle traffic for this special event.  A highlight of our summer season, this Festival creates an exciting weekend of art, crafts, music, entertainment and food, and will be a quality event for the whole family.