The Hudson Valley’s beloved celebration of handmade, The Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair, is making its highly anticipated return to the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz on May 25th, 26th, and 27th. This biannual festival, a staple since 1982, marks the beginning and end of the summer season, attracting shoppers, art enthusiasts, and festival-goers every Memorial and Labor Day weekend.
Consistently ranked as one of the nation’s best contemporary craft shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the fair showcases the handcrafted creations of hundreds of carefully selected exhibitors across more than 10 media categories. Promoter Quail Hollow Events prides itself on curating artisans and craftspeople whose work exemplifies originality in both design and execution, with each maker personally present. Festival director Ola Rubinstein emphasizes, In addition to longtime exhibitors who have been part of the event for over four decades, this year’s fair welcomes a fresh lineup of newcomers, among them fine artists working in ink, acrylic, oil, and watercolor. From vibrant pop art to serene landscapes, visitors will be captivated by the diverse array of styles and mediums. Among them, Russian-born artist Olga Nenazhivina will be exhibiting her intricate ink drawings. Nenazhivina acknowledges that many viewers will perceive her images as fantastical representations, but she maintains that her subjects come from the world she lives in. Katerina Husmann, a painter who also hails from Russia, will be displaying her joyful pop art paintings. Visitors will likely be drawn to her loud and welcoming Love series, which radiates warmth and positivity. Others may connect with the work of American painter John Limotte, who creates geometric cityscapes and landscapes that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Fairgoers can explore a treasure trove of unique finds for the home, body, and beyond, from wearable fiber art to hand-thrown porcelain tableware and everything in between. Live demonstrations will showcase traditional crafts like fiber-spinning, wood-turning, and glass-painting. For the visitor wanting to get involved in the artistic process – and walk away bejeweled – Nicole Dubensky will be offering on-the-spot permanent jewelry. Bracelets and necklaces will be welded around a wrist or neck and, without a clasp, the special piece can be donned daily until the wearer chooses to remove it.
Families will enjoy the complimentary children’s craft tent, and all fairgoers will appreciate the ongoing demonstrations, broad selection of artisanal foods and local beverages, and live musical performances.
Fair hours are Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Memorial Day (Monday), 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For tickets, an exhibitor list, entertainment schedule, and more information about The Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair, visit quailhollow.com.