Bruce Museum’s 26th Annual Outdoor Crafts Festival

The Bruce Museum’s 26th Annual Outdoor Crafts Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, 2011, on the grounds of the Museum. The Festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, features juried exhibitors specializing in ceramics, jewelry, wood, wearable and decorative fiber, metalwork, leather, paper arts and glass, all available for purchase. Over eighty artisans gather together to share their unique talents and crafts at a nationally recognized event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Outdoor Crafts Festival also includes fun and educational activities for children, international cuisine, musicians, and dance performances.

Live entertainment both days includes music from the band "Ubuntu" from Saratoga Springs, NY, performing a variety of acoustic folk-rock, with crowd participation, on the main stage from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Also performing are classical guitarists Ed Wright and Anna Lisa Ewald playing in separate shows on the grounds of the Museum each day. The SoNo Guitar School performs in a student recital at 11 a.m. in Lecture Gallery on Saturday May 21. A dance program spotlights students at Velocity Dance Company on Sunday, May 22.

New exhibitors along with some previous favorites are featured this year, which is especially strong in the fiber category. A wide variety of examples in fine and artistic wearable creations range from handwoven chenille to hand painted silk. Pottery is also strong, with over twelve ceramic artists exhibiting figurative sculpture, decorative teapots, and elaborate raku-fired wall pieces. Turned wood, metal garden sculpture, and the brightly colored, blown glass exhibited will provide something unique for every taste and collecting budget. 

“We are very excited to celebrate the 26th anniversary of this prestigious Crafts Festival,” said Festival director Sue Brown Gordon. “The show has been privileged to select exhibitors from some of the finest craft artists in the country, artists with works in museums and galleries whom Festival-goers will want to collect. While exhibitors offer fine one-of-a-kind treasures, they also offer prices even a young collector could afford.”

Exhibiting artists are encouraged to demonstrate and educate throughout the weekend event, and free hands-on crafts projects are offered in the Museum’s Education Workshop. In addition to presenting a wide price range, many exhibitors offer discounts for Bruce Museum members. At the Festival, visitors will be able to join the Bruce Museum as a member for free admission and instant discounts both at the show and in the Museum Store. 

The Bruce Museum’s 26th Annual Outdoor Crafts Festival is held rain or shine on the Museum grounds at 1 Museum Drive, in Greenwich, Connecticut. Admission is free to members, $8 for non-members, and free for children under five. Admission includes all Festival activities plus entry to the Bruce Museum, which is open to the public during Festival hours. Visitors are asked to park on Museum Drive and Steamboat Road or in the Island Beach Parking lot near exit 3 off I-95. The Museum is a short walk from MetroNorth’s Greenwich railroad station. For information, visit www.brucemuseum.org, or call (203) 869-0376.