CRAFTS AT RHINEBECK RUNS JUNE 17, 18 AND 19
Staff | June 16, 2011 | CommentA special Friday night opening has been added to the Crafts at Rhinebeck show at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. On June 17, from 6pm to 8pm the crafts fair will host a VIP Preview and shopping event. “ It was designed to offer a more intimate and certainly less crowded shopping experience for our crafts fair audience”, said, show organizer, Vicki Imperati. “ All of the booths will be open and our craftspeople and staff will be on hand to welcome guests”. Admission ($10.00) to the June 17 event includes complimentary refreshments and a ticket for re-entrance to the fair either Saturday or Sunday. Show hours Saturday, June 18 are 10am to 6pm and on Sunday, June 19, from 10am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday admission is $7.00 for adults with free admission for children under 12. Parking is free.
Over 250 craftspeople from around the country will present their creations in this juried event. Pottery, glass, jewelry, fashion, furniture, sculpture and more categories of handmade and unique items are represented. While many top national artists return to Rhinebeck each year, over 30 percent of the show features new and emerging artists. Participating artists were selected by a jury last January. The criteria were design, craftsmanship, imagination and excellence.
Crafts at Rhinebeck has long been regarded as an important avenue for crafts collectors, seasoned shoppers and first-time buyers. The show offers high quality selections that truly cover the financial gamut. You can shop for a unique purchase for under $15 or invest in an one-of-a-kind sculpture.
Since this year’s show falls on Father’s Day weekend, some new family oriented features have been added to the line-up. “Ed, The Wizard” and a Children’s Art Tent are two interactive events planned for both Saturday and Sunday. Ed provides magical, mystical mayhem with a series of magic routines that have been performed around the world. His shows tell the stories of magical wizards throughout the ages. In the Children’s Art Tent, Richard Ianni leads hands -on art projects and storyteller, Jill Olesker tells tales of Turtles, Dragonflies and Watery Creatures. She will help audience members design their own creatures and she then leads a parade around the fairgrounds. A Jazz trio featuring violinist, Craig Thaler performs all weekend.
Additionally, a specialty food sections offers dozens of gourmet samplings, wine tastings and even hand-crafted beauty products.
Crafts at Rhinebeck is held in spacious exhibit halls on the park-like fairgrounds . Any outside booths are tented and all of the show is wheel chair and stroller accessible.
For more information, tickets and directions visit craftsatrhinebeck.com.