55th Annual Craft Expo Approaching
Looking for the perfect piece of jewelry to match your summer wardrobe or the ideal artwork to place in your living room? You're in luck. Guilford Art Center's 55th annual Craft Expo is returning to the Town Green for four days, from July 19 to 22.
"It's an annual event. It's going to feature more than 175 American artists whose work is some of the finest being created in the country," said Guilford Art Center Program Director Maureen Belden. "They're high-quality artists in the field. We like to think that with the price points, there really is something for everyone."
The expo will feature more than 175 nationally recognized craft artists and typically draws in approximately 10,000 shoreline residents throughout the four days. Several artists are in fact from shoreline towns across Connecticut.
Attendees can expect to see an assortment of artwork up for sale, including jewelry, glass, clay, wood, photography, pottery, and decorative and functional objects.
"If you enjoy collecting things and purchasing gifts, it's really all there," Belden said.
On Thursday and Friday, July 19 and 20, hours are noon through 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 21 hours are from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.; and on Sunday, July 22, shoppers have from noon to 5 p.m. to grab their final purchases.
With the long and flexible hours, Belden hopes to see a wide variety of guests arrive. This is also the second year that the art center opted to include Sunday in the festivities due to considerable crowds.
"We try to make it convenient for the working people during the week, so they can go at night. Saturdays are also a popular day and this is the second year in a row that we've been opened on Sunday," she said. "It proved to be a very popular day last year and we're thinking it will be again. We are very happy to be able to do that."
Crafts aren't the only thing offered at the annual event. A variety of food trucks will be on site, including Taco Pacifico, Caseus Grilled Cheese Truck, Naples Pizza Truck, and Ashley's Ice Cream.
While shopping, expo attendees can be expected to hear local, live musicians providing the entertainment during the evenings of all four days.
The event is rain or shine, with all tables being set up under tents on the Green.
Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and Guilford Art Center members and children younger than 12 are free.
Belden urges Guilford residents to come down any and all days and check out what's considered to be "a must-see summer event and one of the top craft shows in New England.
"It's really an opportunity to see a lot of creative talent," Belden said.
For more information on Guilford Art Center's 55th annual Craft Expo, call the center at 203-453-5947.