AUGUSTA — November has just started, but for three friends visiting a crafts show on Saturday, the timing was just right to start looking for Christmas gifts.

Anne Turgeon, of Augusta, and Terry Laflamme and Gloria McCann, both from Sidney, have attended the annual Crafts at the Museum show for at least three years, to see the work of Maine artisans and maybe do some early holiday shopping.

“It’s a nice crafts show every year,” Laflamme said. “We come to check it out as a girls’ day out.”

The woman said they appreciate that the work at the show is high-quality, often made with natural materials and suited to Maine lifestyles and climate.

Saturday was the Maine Crafts Guild’s 16th annual show at the Maine State Museum.

The juried show featured 28 craftspeople, including Laurie LaBar, a jeweler from Richmond; Karl Rau, who creates pressed-flower artwork in South China; David Pollock, a woodcarver from Kents Hill; and Malley Weber, a potter from Hallowell.

Advertisement

“Our connection with the museum is a very important one because of the history of crafting that’s here, and we’re kind of carrying on the tradition,” said Betsy Levine, a Liberty potter who was exhibiting stoneware and porcelain pots, bowls and mugs on Saturday.

The Maine Crafts Guild has about 140 members who are professional craftspeople, said David Lancaster, the guild’s president. Lancaster lives in Weeks Mills and makes wooden bowls.

The guild provides a way for its members to sell their work, primarily through a handful of shows organized each year.

“This is our last show of the year,” Lancaster said. “It’s a great place for customers to buy local — made in Maine by Maine artists — presents or things for themselves. These are local items handmade by people who really care.”

The show continues today from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m.

Susan McMillan — 621-5645
smcmillan@mainetoday.com

 


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.