40 years ago, the Rubinstein family set their sights on creating the region’s premier art and crafts fair. In the years since, the Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair has become a beloved staple of the Hudson Valley’s robust maker landscape, and has been voted the #2 Best Contemporary Craft Show nationwide by Sunshine Artist Magazine.
From fine artists and photographers to ceramicists, jewelry makers, woodworkers, fiber artists, craft beverage and specialty food purveyors, apothecary makers, and more, there’s something for every lover of handmade goods and fine arts and crafts to enjoy. This September’s fair is a must-visit for anyone looking for furniture for their home, be it handcrafted Adirondack chairs by longtime fair favorite John Finnan, or the acclaimed designs from internationally collected, Woodstock-based artist and chair-maker Alan Siegal, who is making his fair debut.
“The real beauty of these festivals is the interaction between the visitors and the exhibitors—getting to see the story and learn the history of the object and engage with the maker of that item,” says Ola Rubinstein, director of Quail Hollow Events.
As in years’ past, there will be a demonstration area where visitors can get an up-close view of makers practicing their crafts, including hammock-making, woodturning, fiber spinning, soapmaking, and jewelry-making using such techniques as Japanese braiding and contemporary metal torch work. "The opportunity to observe so many creative processes in one place has always been a special part of the fair," Rubinstein says.
If you’re making a day (or three!) out of your visit, you’ll also want to peruse the many local food vendors like Coastal Flavors Company, Jamaican Delights, and Jane's Homemade Ice Cream for freshly prepared lunch and snacks. Craft beer from a variety of regional breweries will also be available for on-site consumption, and local distilleries and wineries, including Tuthilltown Spirits and Whitecliff Vineyard, will be offering tastings.
There'll also be ongoing live music from local acts to enjoy, and if you have kids in tow, you can send them on over to the supervised craft tent, where they can participate in creative activities using a wide range of materials, many donated by the market’s artists and makers.
The Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair will take place Saturday, September 4, through Monday, September 6 at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz. For more info or to buy tickets, visit Quailhollow.com/tickets. Weekend passes are available now at the discounted rate of $13, and tickets for children under 12 are free.
