Why Delaware? Why Not?

‘Why is the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen’s show in Delaware?’

Around this time every year, before our July (25 & 26) craft show in Wilmington, DE, we get calls asking questions about the hours and directions and cost of admission and if a particular artist will be there.  Then there’s usually the question ‘why does the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen have a show in Delaware?’

Well, why not?  My response usually explains our needed move from its 30 year home at Franklin & Marshall College (due to construction and parking).  In the process we researched 53 sites in Pennsylvania and one in Delaware because we had heard it was gorgeous. 

Of the 53 sites in Pennsylvania, we physically toured over a quarter of them that would be large enough for our largest event.  The whole time thinking about the logistics of parking, easy of access, booth spacing, lighting, ease of entry, amenities, etc.  And then we toured the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, DE and were truly blown away.

The facility itself is the biggest reason but also there’s a few side notes to it.  We are the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen but we have members in 33 states because if someone wants to join in support of handmade crafts, the more the merrier.  And our followers and members’ customers are from throughout the Mid-Atlantic including Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Delaware. 

We have people attend our shows from as far away as California.  And really, it’s not like we’re having a show in Montana.  Montana is a lovely state but if the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen were having a show there, I can understand the raised eyebrows.

Our friends in Ohio, the Ohio Designer Craftsmen have a show that crosses state borders as well (Kentucky).

This year, three art groups (Delaware by Hand, Delaware Art Museum and Biggs Museum) will help welcome us for our third year in Wilmington.  

I personally feel at home while at the Chase Center for that weekend, and if you’ve attended the show you know what I mean.  The place is gorgeous, the staff are friendly, there’s tons of free parking and there’s little shops and restaurants to explore after you’ve had enough handmade craft for the day.  And admission ($7) for the show gets you in both days, so stick around (and get a coupon).  I’ll see you there in two weeks.