By David Esteppe
The Greenbrier Valley’s longest running craft show has outgrown the West Virginia State Fair Event Center, but it isn’t leaving it behind. It’s just going to spill into the outside.
The Art and Craft Show started in 1980 and has been held annually ever since. It is now sponsored by Edgewood Presbyterian Church, and is an event which serves as a fundraiser for several causes in the area including scholarships for local students. One of the craft show coordinators, Joy Arbuckle, says, “Attendance has increased steadily each year for the past five years, and there has been a waiting list for the last two years.” Because of this, the 2015 show will offer outdoor spaces as well.
Arbuckle explained that Edgewood Presbyterian Church would like to promote the techniques passed down through generations of dedicated artisans in order to instill a love of crafting to others to carry on traditional crafting. Therefore, this year’s show will include craft demonstrations in the outdoor marketplace with artisans or craftspeople who have a joy in demonstrating their mastery of skill and knowledge of craft. These artisans will also have the opportunity to sell the crafts they are making.
With a waiting list from vendors from all areas of West Virginia and Virginia, North Carolina and other states, Arbuckle is seeking artisans now. Contact the coordinators of The Art and Craft Show at 304-392-6607 or 304-645-6023 to request an information packet. The event is scheduled for Oct. 9-11.
