Getting Crafty for Mother’s Day in the Lakes Region

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and in anticipation, the Lakes Region of New Hampshire is offering some crafty ways to show some love to the special women in your life!

This weekend, May 4^th and 5^th, don’t miss the Mother’s Day Craft Fair at Laconia High School. The event takes place on Saturday from 10 – 4, and on Sunday from 10 – 3. This wonderful fair will feature over 70 exhibitors with great gifts for Mother’s Day or any occasion, including beautiful quilts, quilted jackets, table runners, glass art, handcrafted scarves, fine jewelry, bat & bird houses, gourmet pickles, dips, and jellies, hand-poured soaps, unique wax room fresheners, American girl clothing & accessories, wearable art, clothing, and much more! Fairgoers will enjoy the music of Tim Janis, as well as free admission. What a great way to find a special gift and support our local craftspeople at the same time! Read the rest of this entry »

The League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Retail Gallery December Events

Looking for unique, handmade gifts this holiday season? Interested in catching a glimpse of how a skilled artisan works her craft? The League of NH Craftsmen has a great lineup of workshops and demonstrations, where you can meet the artists and be a part of some of the creative processes as the fine pieces come to life. Check out what’s happening at the Meredith Retail Gallery this December…

Felted Animal Demonstration with Carolyn Wright
Saturday, December 1st, 2012, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Stop in and see how Carolyn brings wool to life in creative ways – from chickens, sheep, and lions, to stars, moons, and eggs! Carolyn creates her wonderful characters by the process of needle felting. Are you interested in exploring this art form? Come with your curiosity and questions, as Carolyn shows her work in its various stages. Read the rest of this entry »

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