2017 update: The Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair will take place on Friday, October 13th – Sunday, May 15th, 2017 (i.e. this weekend!) on Rittenhouse Square in Center City Philadelphia. Come on down!
Here’s my review of the fair from 2013.
On Sunday, the approximately 140 exhibitors at the Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair must have breathed a sigh of relief when they did not awaken to the sound of driving rain. The weather gods certainly didn’t cooperate on Friday when heavy rain squalls had them scurrying to arrange their canvas booths to keep their work dry and discouraged people from strolling around Philadelphia’s venerable Rittenhouse Square to admire and purchase their creations. However, at least one “glass half full” crafter maintained that the poor weather on Friday did have a silver lining in that the folks who braved the elements to walk around the booths at the fair were truly committed craft enthusiasts.
Peter Saenger of Saenger Porcelain, a craft show veteran, described the fine craft fair on Rittenhouse Square as “The best venue, just not the easiest”. Still, he preferred the conditions during this show to those during the May event earlier this year he when he spent one day “holding the booth down” in the blustery winds. High winds and porcelain are not a good combination.
Part of the display at the Saenger Porcelain booth.
Carol Heisler’s machine sewn patchwork quilt. (Lorac Designs)
Crafts from ten different media are represented at the Fine Craft Fair. If your inner craftsperson is inspired by the Fair and you live in or near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, check the Guild’s website for a list of craft classes they sponsor. There are classes for rank beginners and for the more advanced.
People anticipating winter were intrigued by the felt hats by Miriam Carter, a feltmaker from Dublin, New Hampshire.
Woodcarving booth. A. Briscoe Woodcarving, Maryland.
Coloratura “wearable art” by Alan Resnick, Annville, PA
Tanzy and the artist’s husband, Mark, “work” at Sharon Merkel’s “Images” Photography booth.
You can spend a little or a lot at the Fine Crafts Fair.
Jeremy Keller and Mary Ennis’ Earthfire Greenware booth of Lewisville, Ohio displayed Handmade Tile and Serving Ware.
Karen and Geoffrey Caldwell’s Sunflower Glass Studio, Stockton, NJ
“Scherenschnitte” (paper scissor cutting) by Marie-Helene Grabman of Alexandria, VA. (c)
This was the third time the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen has sponsored the fine craft fair in conjunction with the Friends of Rittenhouse Square and the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department. The plan is for the fair to continue to be a semi-annual event; so, it is not too soon to arrange a visit to the City of Brotherly Love (and Sisterly Affection) to coincide with one (or both!) of the next fine craft fairs. The next one is scheduled for October 9-11, 2015. This free event can serve as an anchor around which to plan a weekend — or better yet, a long weekend, visit. There are hotels and restaurants at all price points within walking distance of Rittenhouse Square as are the museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Reading Terminal Market and the historic sites in the Independence Hall area.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks like fun and some great stuff! Sure I would attend, if I lived nearby 🙂
I’m always fascinated by what people can make by hand, Suzanne. It can take so much time and patience and of course just having a natural gift for it. I used to tole paint and that was a lot of fun. Great pic with the Great Pyrenees in there btw.
As always, thanks for stopping by, Mike. I’m always happy to find a canine to include in my blog posts. The post I did about the last show in May had one of a bull dog in a “baby” carriage:
http://www.boomeresque.com/philadelphia-phriday-pennsylvania-guild-fine-craft-fair-rittenhouse-square/
On a nice day, it really is enjoyable to walk around and check out all the crafts on display. Most of the booths are manned/womanned by the artists themselves, so they are available to answer any questions.
I love roaming and browsing through craft fairs but we rarely buy anything, especially at this stage of life as I seem to be all about the “less is more” philosophy of life. When it comes time for us to “retire” I want to be as free as possible to just go where the road takes us – even to roam through craft fairs!
Patti, I totally “get” where you’re coming from. That’s why I limit myself to collecting refrigerator magnets on our travels. We’ve already downsized twice. We don’t need more stuff–even nice, creative stuff. Fortunately, other people are still collecting crafts. In May, some of the artists told me they sold everything.
You do get around! And I don’t, so I’m glad I read Boomeresque.
Roz — you get around in a different way—The Today Show, HuffPo, even the Gray Lady herself (the NY Times). Boomeresquers, my friend, Roz, is an accomplished essayist. You should check out her work—well worth a read.
What an amazing fair with so many different crafts. I just love how the porcelain cups fit into the pot. I love all the ideas of the creative people that don’t mind sitting in their booths all weekend.
Thanks, Neva. Some of them told me they go to many shows with their crafts.
Having no craft talents or skills myself, I very much admire and enjoy using what others have made with their hands. Yes, I would come (i.e., arrange a trip to come) to the Fine Craft Fair on Rittenhouse Square: there are some intriguing items in your photographs (and a gorgeous dog)! Thanks for the tip!
Leslie, if you ever make the trip, by all means, let me know.
Loved the vicarious trip to the craft fair!
Thanks for visiting our event again. We’re very thankful for everyone who came out and loved reading your post. We’ll see you next year.
You’re most welcome. I think the Fine Craft Fair is one of our best Rittenhouse Square events. I hope the first day’s rain did not overly depress attendance.
So of course I have to ask, did you buy anything? The pieces pictured here look just about irresistible. 🙂
With memories of having downsized twice in the last two years, I was able to resist. My new policy is to “try” to buy only refrigerator magnets!
I love craft fairs. They are so fun to shop at. I love seeing what people can create.
I love craft fairs. The trouble is, for the last 6 years, we have been traveling full time in an RV! There is no space for the works of art I find in them! And this fair looks like it is even a grander afFAIR than we run across in our travels.
We don’t live in an RV, but we already downsized to an apartment. On our travels, my rule is that we can only bring back refrigerator magnets. I’m at the stage in my life when I need to be de-accumulating, not adding. However, this fair is fun to walk around even without any intention of buying—although I did find a refrigerator magnet to add to our collection.
I love craft fairs. I wish I could go, but I suppose it is a bit far from Australia. Pity it isn’t being held in May next year, we’ll be there then.
Some people are so creative! The porcelain looks interesting too. Unfortunately I’m in the same position as Lyn…a bit far to go!
Looks like a great show…I would be so tempted to buy some of these beautiful crafts.
That’s so funny… I scrolled down to leave this comment and I saw my name and comment and I thought, “WTH? When did I read this?” And then I saw the date. 🙂 I was a little worried I was losing my mind, which would not be that big of a surprise by the way. Still a fun post!
I love craft fairs! The Pennsylvania Guild Fine Arts Fair looks like one I would enjoy!!
Looks tres chic! BTW, the more I travel, the more I meet people from Philadelphia! I feel a repeat visit coming on. Hope we cross paths soon.
I love the simple, colorful tile magnets. It’s so enjoyable to visit these events to see homespun creativity. The Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair would be a fine reason to plan a repeat visit to Philadelphia!