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New England Craft Fairs

by Amy Traverso

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Connecticut
November 12-13: Fine American Craftsman Show
A national roster of nearly 60 artisans converge for the 26th year of this juried event. Emphasizing high-quality traditional items--tableware from ASL Pewter, stenciled floorcloths from Michele Hollick--rather than contemporary crafts, though you'll also find gorgeous modern wares.
Wilton High School Field House, 395 Danbury Road, Wilton. 845-876-0616; wiltoncraftsmanshow.com

November 19-20: CraftWestport
Now in its 36th year, this annual juried crafts bonanza features more than 160 metal, fiber, wood, paper, and clay artisans, with all admissions net profits to benefit local charities. The contemporary jewelry, by artists such as Nikki Bates, Rina Young, and Tami Rodrig, is especially good.
Staples High School, 70 North Ave., Westport. 800-649-0279, 845-331-7900; wywl.com/CAF/CAF.html, artrider.com/WPT11.html

Maine
November 11-12: The Gifted Hand
You'll find a decidedly contemporary bent, with more than 60 local artists, many of them from the next generation of twentysomething crafters. Though just in its sixth year, it's already a Maine tradition.
Ramada Inn (Tennis Court Area), 215 High St., Ellsworth. 207-664-2404; giftedhandshow.com

December 3-4: United Maine Craftsmen Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
Some 95 local artisans in varied media: fiber, silver, sea glass, clay, and cookie dough (there's food, too). You'll find everything from pot racks by Kennedy Wrought Iron to hand-dyed mohair by Hilltop Handspun at this 34th annual event.
Sullivan Gym, University of Southern Maine, 66 Falmouth St., Portland. 207-621-2818; unitedmainecraftsmen.com

Massachusetts
November 11-12: Twist 7
Felted jelly doughnuts, steampunk lockets, silk-screened Ts for urban cyclists: This is decidedly a craft fair for the Etsy crowd. More than 60 crafters offer their wares at this twice-annual fair, which began in 2008 and already enjoys an avid following.
Northampton Center for the Arts, 17 New South St., Northampton. twistfair.com

December 9-11: CraftBoston Holiday
The Society of Arts & Crafts was founded in 1897, the first American organization of its kind, which in turn organized the first formal crafts exhibition on these shores. Now, 114 years later, it's still running our region's granddaddy holiday event, with more than 90 carefully chosen artists represented. Such prestige means high quality and generally higher prices, though SAC does highlight items under $100.
Boston Center for the Arts Cyclorama, 539 Tremont St., Boston. 617-266-1810; societyofcrafts.org

New Hampshire
November 5-6: New Hampshire Open Doors
The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is a leader in the New England art scene. Download a map and spend a day touring some 170 studios and other venues, from the Great North Woods to the Massachusetts line. See the artists at work, take in the last of the fall foliage, and stop by participating shops and artisanal food producers for special festival tastings.
603-224-3375; nhopendoors.com