30th Annual Southern Vermont Art and Craft Festival August 1, 2008

Now in its thirtieth year, The Southern Vermont Art and Craft Festival returns on August 1st through 3rd to the Hildene Meadowlands in Manchester, VT, replete with glorious white Camelot tents housing 175 artists and artisans. Local residents, second homeowners, tourists and plentiful day-trippers from the Berkshires and the Albany metro area treasure the Festival. They reserve the dates and attend with passion. They are fans of the American Studio Artist and they buy the creative works of the juried exhibitors.

Although the Festival is three decades old, each year is distinctly different. There are always new exhibitors and those who return have fresh products. The exhibitors are not merely salespeople with cool stuff; they are the actual creators and makers of all the Art and Craftwork shown. Craftproducers, the show organizer, has a well-earned reputation for not permitting buy/sell products, imports, or sales reps. The public relishes not only the opportunity to buy creative one of a kind and limited production works but also meeting and talking with real artists.

This “Festival Marketplace” allows consumers to personalize and stylize their lives. All media are included: pottery, glass, fiber, photography, leather, jewelry, metal, graphics, painting, prints, wood, furniture, and more. Dinnerware, vases, clothing, leather bags, blown glass, canvas garment bags, Windsor chairs, outdoor sculpture, rugs, raincoats, and wedding bands are just a few of the plethora of handmade products offered. Patrons often purchase creative works at the Festival as gifts for friends and family when something unique is required.

As we endeavor to expand our culinary menu, we are delighted to offer two special feasts. On Saturday August 2, Candeleros Restaurant will have pig roast with all the trimmings. On Sunday, famed Henry Bronson from Bistro Henry’s will offer Fat Henry’s Bistro Barbeque Menu. We will post exact menus before the show.

There will also be a beer and wine tent featuring Vermont micro brews and summer wines chosen by Bistro Henry.

Official Website: http://www.craftproducers.com