When autumn approaches, that's when the craft festival season begins in earnest. The 23rd Annual Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival kicks off American Craft Week in Vermont. The Festival will be held October 3, 4, & 5 at the Practice Tee on Route 7A, a mile and a half north of the new roundabout in downtown Manchester, Vermont.
Coming to the Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival is an opportunity to celebrate the wonders of American Craft. Every day thousands of American artists share their vision and talent by producing amazing hand-made decorative and functional objects. Craft show patrons demonstrate their love of these items by coming to the shows, meeting the artists, and buying handmade products. As one craft artist put it, "this is the creative economy!"
The Manchester show features 150 artists and artisans displaying and selling traditional and contemporary crafts and original art as well as a specialty food tent. Exhibitors are housed in large Camelot tents, tents transformed into veritable cathedrals of creativity. While craft shopping, customers are delighted with culinary choices served by local restaurants and food trucks. Vermont craft beers are served to accompany the food. Live music will be played here too. Besides savoring Vermont food and drink, there are many craft demos and kids activities.
In a once in a lifetime experience, two famous "people" will attend this year's Festival. Leonardo Da Vinci will appear as a sculpture inside an 18 trailer. This piece has been created by one of Vermont's most respected sculptors, Dennis Sparling.
Sparling says, "I arrived in Vermont in 1970 borrowed $60 from the new Vermont Craft Council run by Deanne Fago - went dump diving for metals and arrived at the First Bennington Craft Show to sell nothing until two people came looking for me and helped me stay and get through the next 10 years in Vermont. Since then I have mainly sold my work out of state; until 2008 when my clientele disappeared. Before Vermont I studied Architecture at Arizona State and U. of Washington--Built a Gallery in Pioneer Square, Seattle and collaborated with Tom Robbins on "The Vincent Van Gough Donut Festival "---then fled to Vermont looking for what Life was all about. Now I know a little more of what life is about, and it is time to pack up the wagon with some above average Stories and sell my pots and pans to Act III of the American Dream." Sparling will exhibit at the Festival with Leonardo Da Vinci and many other of his works.
Joining Da Vinci at the Festival will be Don Quixote in the form of a metal sculpture created by Chad Heise.
Heise says, "Carrying the proverbial (and literal) "torch" for my uncle, Bill Heise (who launched Heise Metal Sculpture in 1966), I remain true to his original vision of repurposing what he called "found" metal--discarded old agricultural equipment and tools collected from the fields and farms of Vermont. Tinkering around in my uncle's shop since about the time I could walk, he taught me how to discover the delicate lines which exist within the component parts of this salvaged equipment (often defying their rugged nature), and how each sculpture could be given unique personality by something as simple as the size and type of nut, bolt, or washer chosen for eyes. It is with great pride that I continue on with what some have referred to as his unusual twist on the concept of "swords into ploughshares." Not only do I feel I'm paying homage to my uncle and his unique artistic vision, but also to the farm equipment which faithfully turned soil for years, now given new life."
In addition to Sparling and Heise, artist/sculptor Piper Strong of Hardwick VT, brings her new creation, Renewed Spirit, along with her interpretations of many classic paintings. Lastly among the sculptors is Aaron Brown, of Lyndeborough, NH, with his colorful "exterior" three section landscape metal sculpture.
Once again, the Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival will be held October 3-5 at the Practice Tee in Manchester. Hours are 10-5 daily, Friday through Sunday. Adult admission is $10, children are free. Rain or shine-under tents. Plenty of free parking. No pets, please. Complete information is available at Craftproducers.com or call 802-362 2100.
