Read the YES!Weekly Article HERE
Piedmont Craftsmen is a non-profit arts organization and guild dedicated to promoting fine craft and supporting the talented makers behind it. In addition to operating a vibrant gallery in Winston-Salem, Piedmont Craftsmen hosts its annual fair the weekend before Thanksgiving. The fair will run on November 23-24 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem.
In addition to the craft artist’s artwork, there will be 16 live demonstrations showcasing various craft techniques, such as pottery wheel throwing, hand-building, weaving, and more. Sawtooth School of Art and MIXXER Community Makerspace will also host interactive demonstrations throughout the weekend.
A Community Responds to Crisis
This year, the 61st Annual Piedmont Craftsmen Fair is especially significant. While it promises to be a large event with 110 participating artists, it is also a vital opportunity for many craft artists recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
In the aftermath of the hurricane, Piedmont Craftsmen’s team worked to check on our members and ensure their safety. Through social media posts and calling on our networks, we learned of the significant damage to both studios and livelihoods. Along with physical losses, many craft artists saw their opportunities evaporate as galleries closed and shows were canceled. It could be months before these income streams return.
Faced with this crisis, we quickly determined that the fair must be a critical platform for recovery. To support these artists, we made efforts to lower participation costs and added more opportunities for artists to showcase their work in our gallery and online shop. Many in the community have pitched in by donating to relief efforts, offering supplies to artists who need them or offering a place to stay for those participating in the Fair.
Participation in the Fair is a vital step in rebuilding businesses and communities. Thirty percent of the 110 artists are from Western North Carolina, one of the areas hardest hit by the hurricane. The event will also feature 40 new artists, along with returning favorites like Lucy’s Toys, which is recovering from a devastating fire earlier this year.
A Special Exhibit at the Gallery
While attending the Fair, don’t forget to visit the Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery, located just one block away from the Benton Convention Center on Trade Street. This month, the gallery features a special exhibition by Tom Suomalainen, a visionary sculptor working in clay and Piedmont Craftsmen’s last remaining founding artist. Tom’s exhibit will be on display through November 30 and offers a unique opportunity to see his work in person. Starting in December, we will have our Holiday Extravaganza which is a great way to shop local this holiday season.