Nothing much will be different about this year’s Harvard Artisans Multi-media Gallery Show and Sale Nov. 17 and 18. And that’s perfect, because everyone seems to like it just the way it has been for the past three years. It’s a much-anticipated community event where lots of good things happen. People socialize with old friends and new; artisans, mostly from Harvard, have a chance to showcase and sell their creations; buyers may purchase unique gifts in perfect time for upcoming holidays; and the Council on Aging receives a generous gift of the proceeds.
When Reba Maisel, knitter and weaver extraordinaire and former longtime owner of the Fiber Loft, and Barbara Cerva, artist and photographer, got together four years ago, they knew very little about organizing a community event. But they plunged in because they were intent on creating a sustainable fundraiser to show appreciation for all that the Harvard Council on Aging does to help seniors in town.
In the ensuing two years, more artisans were invited to join the returning ones, and the donation to the COA continued to grow, aided by the introduction of a credit card machine in addition to paying with cash or check. This year’s proceeds will be split between the COA and the fund for Phase II of Hildreth House. There have been a few tweaks along the way, but the event has remained basically the same since its debut.
Saturday grand opening
It starts with an evening grand opening Saturday, Nov. 17, from 7 to 10 p.m. upstairs at the Congregational Church. A $10 admission donation gives you an opportunity to win a door prize, one of which is a cozy afghan knit by Sheila Cregar, whose fingers haven’t had much of a break since she donated two afghans last year. An ensemble from Indian Hill will play chamber music, lovely in its own right and a perfect accompaniment for socializing, viewing (and buying) the art work, and bidding on a silent auction item. There will be complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres provided by Pat Jennings and friends.
Sunday lunch with music
On Sunday the hours of the sale are noon to 4:30 p.m. Start off with lunch: soups made by Rosemary Theriault and Lynn Cooke and selections from a dessert buffet with items baked by Pat Sciple and friends will be for sale. The music will be more “rockin’” than Saturday evening’s, with COA Director Debbie Thompson, vocals and guitar, and Bob Wright, guitar and percussion, playing country and oldies. There will be door prizes, with another Cregar afghan in the mix, and continuation of the silent auction, which will have gift cards from local restaurants along with items donated by the artisans.
Handmaid gifts
Last, but actually most important—shopping. In these days of online Amazon, the handmade gift has become more and more rare. The artisans sale will provide the opportunity to purchase something you know was made by a skilled crafter who took time and patience to make it. A knitted hat or scarf, a woven shawl, a piece of jewelry, something made of glass, clay, or wood, a painting of a landscape or still life would make a special gift for a relative or friend—or for yourself.
Among the returning artisans will be Christine Wyman, with keychains and other accessories made of recycled tapes; Rachel Benson and her felted items; Elizabeth Garrick Knaplund with knit shawls; Sylvia Brown with her leather-craft goods; and Maureen Hopper with delicious cakes.
Harvard artists new to the show include Judy Romatelli, bringing stained-glass hangings from her shop in West Acton, and Lily Baddour with pastels and mini baskets fashioned from pine needles and feathers.
For the second year, RiverCourt Residences of West Groton is sponsoring the event, paying for publicity and wine for the Saturday opening. Maisel says they have “bent over backwards to help us.”
No need to fight traffic or stalk someone to get a parking spot or argue with a frazzled salesperson. Shop right in town at the artisans sale and support both the artists and the COA.
