May 17 Will Bring Inaugural Newtown Artisan Market

Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) and Stacey Olszewski/Piper Productions of Newtown are co-coordinating the first of what they hope will be many Newtown Artisan Markets on Saturday, May 17. The event will be at Reed Intermediate School, 3 Trades Lane. It will run from 10 am to 4 pm, rain or shine.

A juried craft show of more than 35 area crafters will display their wares and offer demonstrations of their crafts. An admission fee of $5 will support the positive youth development programs provided by NYFS.

“Not only is Newtown Youth and Family Services pleased at the monetary support the Artisan Market will provide for our Positive Asset Development Programs, but also we are excited for the residents of Newtown when there is another opportunity for a family outing that exposes youth to creative experiences and gives parents something to do together with their children,” said Beth Agen, the executive director of NYFS.

Many Newtowners will remember the craft shows long associated with the annual Holiday Festival, also sponsored by NYFS. The lack of adequate space for the craft show on Main Street ultimately forced the Festival Committee to stop the crafts show portion of the festival.

Another factor leading to the closing was the sheer number of activities held at the Holiday Festival, which prevented people from having enough time to spend at the craft show. Because of the craft show’s popularity, NYFS has decided to stage it in the spring when people will have more time to spend not only shopping but also admiring the talents of local artisans and crafters.

Among this year’s entrants are SkySpyders, a designer of wheel thrown pottery; Isle of Ewe, with handmade baskets and handspun yarns; and Quilling by Basil.

Goatboy Soaps provides handmade soaps and lotions from goat milk, while Nancy Belanger fashions boiled wool purses. Other entrants include folk artists Stacey Olszewski, Teresa Hicks, MJ Ives and Kathy Murdy. Bob Nosal of Newtown will display his handmade furniture.

Participants will also sell dried floral arrangements, jewelry, hand carved birds and animals, and Irish crocheted children’s clothing and accessories.

Of special note is children’s author Rich Arruzza, who writes about his Dalmatian, Sparky. Mr Arruzza will appear in person Saturday and will autograph copies of his books.

For more information on the craft show, contact NYFS at 270-4335 or Stacey Olszewski, 270-9461.