I’m sure you know by now that we have a fall craft festival coming up this weekend at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell.  We’ve only been saying it every chance we get since it’s a great way to celebrate fall outside!

But there’s a lot more happening in the coming weeks, here’s a quick preview…

Also this weekend, in Lancaster, we have a Juried Member Showcase during Fall ArtWalk at our 252 N. Prince St gallery.  David Lunin and Jay Brubaker are showing their furniture for two days in what they’re calling ‘Divergince’.  These showcases are an opportunity for our juried members to rent our gallery.

October 31 is the final day to see ‘from Raw to Refined‘ at the Reading Public Museum.   If you have not made it, it is worth the drive.  Plus there’s a really cool printmaking exhibition on display with works from Cezanne, Millet and Whistler.

October 31 is also the date of our ‘Anatomy of a Pattern‘ workshop with Debby Spence at Millersville University.  There are a number of spaces remaining.  If you’re interested in making your own patterns for clothing, don’t miss this one.  It’s gonna be great.

We open our Prince St gallery doors for ‘Handmade Holiday‘ on Friday, November 6.  This store setting runs until January 2.  We’ve extended our regular hours for the month of December so you can get in and buy some handmade crafts for gifts.  For those of you from out of town, it’s worth the drive: come down to see our gallery on a Tuesday, Friday or Saturday and you can also catch Central Market, the country’s oldest continuously operating farmer’s market.

Saturday, November 7 is the ‘FELT: Hat, Bag or Vessel’ class with Jeri Robinson.  It’s also the start of Lebanon Valley Studio Tour, which has a number of Guild members involved.

The following weekend is our return to Manheim Township High School for our Holiday Fine Craft Fair on November 14 & 15.  We love this show and we know you will too.  It’s a short (10 minutes) drive outside of downtown Lancaster.  And if you’re planning to come to this craft show, you should make it a point to then drive into our gallery downtown.

I can’t believe how much is going on in the next few weeks!  Leave comments below about other events I may have missed.

The Guild is comprised of 17 chapters throughout the commonwealth stretching from Bedford county to Bucks county.  We’ll feature them periodically on our blog.

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by Paula Lewis, chapter President

Why should I join the Yellow Breeches Chapter of the PGC?

Lots of people wonder whether a craft guild is right for them – would they “fit in” – would they get anything out of it – would they be the next American Idol . . . okay, well, maybe not that.  To make your decision a little more scientific – which is (NOT) one of the core traits of artists and artisans – take this little test to find out whether we’re right for you!

1. I am
   • An artist
   • A craftsman
   • A crafter
   • A DIYer
   • A collector
   • Alive
2. I live in
   • Central PA
   • Pennsylvania
   • The 21st Century
3. I am interested in
   • Learning about fine craft
   • Networking
   • Everything
4. I am
   • Young and strong
   • Old and wicked
   • Middle-aged and tired
5. My favorite medium is
   • Clay
   • Glass
   • Fiber
   • Allison DuBois
6. My goal is to
   • Become a better artisan
   • Gain wider recognition for my work
   • Enjoy all that fine craft can bring to my life

If you answered any of these questions – no matter what your answer was – you should join the Yellow Breeches Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen!  We are a group representing all of the above with joy, vigor, and humor.  We support each other and fine craft in general.  We’ll even give you a free sample – come visit one of our meetings as our guest!  Our schedule of events, including meeting information, is available on our website at www.ybcrafts.org.

The board of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen approved the formation of a brand-new chapter located in Delaware county.   The Haverford Guild of Craftsmen, an official chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, is lead by Cathy Hetznecker.

The first chapter activity is a tour of the Wharton Esherick House in Valley Forge on Wednesday, September 2 at 10:20 am.  The cost is $10 for Haverford Guild members or $15 for non-members.  A carpool is being organized.  Contact Cathy Hetznecker if you’re interested in attending (610-449-8118).

Their first official meeting is Sunday, September 13 at 7 pm at Saint George’s Episcopal Church (link for directions) at the corner of Ardmore Ave and Darby Road in Ardmore, PA.  Stop in and show your support.

We’re sure we’ll be hearing much more from this great group of artists in Delaware county.  Congratulations and may your membership blossom.

The Pocono chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen presents its annual festival this weekend, after successfully debuting in its new location last year.

Nearly 80 contemporary and traditional juried artisans, fine artists exhibit, demonstrate and sell at this event partnered with the Pocono Arts Council and the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm. Festival foods, wood fired bake oven bread (yum!), farm tours, hayrides, children’s area, live music and more make this a great day in the country for the entire family.

Admission is $6.00 with a discount coupon available on our website www.poconocrafts.com. See our slide show and video, also linked to our website.