After a hiatus due to COVID, the Unitarian Universalist Church has returned its annual holiday craft fair.
The show will continue on consecutive Sundays through Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the lower level of the church on Kings Highway. It features the work of 18 local artists and an array of arts and crafts.
Artist Amelie Harris-McGeehan uses material found in an arboretum to create necklaces made of forest wood. Sylvia Barclay has knitted bird ornaments, and Pam Anderson will sell festive ornaments with shapes and themes.
“I’m actually a violin maker, so (crafting) was something to do with some extra material I had while I was shut in,” Anderson said.
The show will also feature award-winning artists Vickie Mathas and Denise Fox.
“Everything is handmade by each person,” said Heidi Bernard, organizer of the fair and member of the Arts and Aesthetic committee for the church. “Nothing’s bought; everything is handmade. It takes a lot of time … but also, for me, I can’t just sit there at night and watch TV. I need something to do with my hands.”
Since the craft fair began 20 years ago, it has grown from five or six artists to three times that many. This year’s show also features work by artists who have won awards for their quilting. There’s a little bit of everything–towels that have witty phrases, filter art pins with elaborate designs, pillows and tote bags.
“This year, I actually had to turn people away because we only have so much space,” Bernard noted. “I wish we had more.”
While many of the artists are local church members, some travel from as far as an hour away.
Featured artists also include Bernard, Cathay Marsh, Jennifer Lauby, Keith Ewan, Stacy LaBelle, Sylvia Barclay, Deby Hilbert, Beth Arnold-Messick, Barbara Sloan, Pam Anderson, Susan Dula, Susan Carroll, Connor Kelly, Olivia Smith and Katia Garcia.
The fair was organized by the Arts and Aesthetic committee, and 25 percent of the proceeds will go back to the church for miscellaneous expenses and other needs. In the past, the funds have contributed to items such as new furniture and art restoration.
The show will be on display on Sunday, Nov. 26, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
