Craft Center’s Holiday Show & Sale

Is Still Running Successfully

BROOKFIELD — It’s the 30th anniversary of a major regional show that started with just a handful of artists and lasted for just one weekend. Today, it’s the largest and longest retail sales event of handmade American craftwork in the Northeast.

Brookfield Craft Center has launched its 30th Annual Holiday Exhibition & Sale. This year’s event, which continues until December 31, is presenting the work of more than 300 artists from across the country.

The event occupies three floors of the center’s historic, circa 1780s, restored grist mill. It features the largest collection of handmade work in the region and draws more than 10,000 visitors from throughout New England and metropolitan New York.

During the gift-giving season, the center transforms itself from a school for fine craftsmanship to what Jack Russell, the executive director of the 50-year old national profile school and gallery, calls, “the ultimate ‘un-mall’ atmosphere – one of the most friendly, enjoyable and rewarding shopping experiences in the region.”

Shoppers and collectors can expect to find a collection of unique handcrafted gift items on display. The curated collection includes pottery, jewelry, woodwork, blown glass, ornaments, designer clothing plus hundreds of other functional and decorative artworks for the home and office.

“Shoppers not only acquire distinctive and affordable gifts, they are also providing important income for America’s fine craft artists,” said Mr Russell. “Proceeds from the event also support the Craft Center’s classes and workshops which promote and preserve the skills and values of fine craftsmanship and train aspiring artisans.”

Handmade glass tree ornaments are “the hit of the show” this year. The nationally respected non-profit organization recently noted one extraordinary sale of 55 artist-made ornaments totaling more than $1,500 to one “highly discriminating customer,” according to Judith T. Russell, the center’s gallery director and manager of the massive eight week sales event.

Moreover, the event is surpassing all previous years in attendance and overall sales.

“Artful displays in gallery settings of really unique functional art by more than 300 professional artisans is the reason,” according to John I. Russell.

The event is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm, and Sunday from noon until 5 pm. Admission is free.

The show will be closed only on Christmas.

Brookfield Craft Center, which was founded in 1954 and is a recipient of Connecticut’s highest award for excellence in the arts (The Governor’s Arts Award), is at 286 Whisconier Road (Route 25, just north of the four corners intersection with Route 7).

For more information call 775-4526 or visit BrookfieldCraftCenter.org.