by June Portnoy

There were a lot of “firsts” this year for the 19th Annual New Hope Juried Arts & Crafts Festival, beginning with its venue. This year for the first time it took place at New Hope-Solebury High School.

“We had such limited space on South Main Street where this show has traditionally been held, so we decided to move it to a larger location,” says Connie Gering, Festival Chairperson. “By moving it here, it allowed us to accommodate the largest number of artists and craftsmen we’ve ever had, making it our largest show ever.”

This year 210 vendors participated, as compared to 165 vendors last year.

According to Connie, attendees appreciated the close parking at the lot adjacent to the school. Many people also took advantage of the free shuttle service into New Hope after they had finished shopping at the show.

“We’re planning to make this school our permanent home starting next year,” says Connie.     

This esteemed event, sponsored by the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce, highlights the work of premier artists and craftsmen who showcase photography, water colors, oils, pastels, pen and ink drawings, silver and gold jewelry, ceramics, wearable art, glass, wood, sculpture and furniture.

The four categories judged in this juried show remained the same as previous years, consisting of jewelry, fine arts, crafts and photography.

“We limit the number of vendors in each category to ensure diversity,” explains Connie.

In order to qualify for the show, the artwork must be hand-made and original, and the artist who created the work must be at the show presenting his/her pieces. Not everyone who submits an application is accepting into the show.

“The highlight of this year’s show was the quality artwork, especially in terms of photography,” says Connie. “The three judges reviewing the photography category had to go back out three times to re-access the competing photos because the quality of each of them was so exceptional.”

About 70% of artists from last year returned this year, and according to Connie, they were all very good.

“These returning artists combined with the new ones offered a spectacular quality of artwork to the show,” she adds.

Along with some of the area’s best arts and crafts, was a music venue, another first for this show. Throughout the weekend, approximately 20 different local musicians and musical groups performed on a sound stage, providing live entertainment to enhance the shopping experience.

Still another first was the extensive food court on-site, providing a diverse selection for everyone. Whether you wanted a slice of pizza, a salad, a smoothie or something sweet like funnel cake, you could find it at the show’s food court without leaving the high school to search for food.  

The Festival partnered with the Bucks County Playhouse for the first time to cross-promote events at both locations. While the Festival was in full swing, the Playhouse hosted an outdoor tented celebration where artists created Playhouse themed art. 

The New Hope Chamber of Commerce provided a complimentary shuttle throughout the day from the Festival to the Playhouse.

The Festival is New Hope Chamber of Commerce’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from this event pay for the daily operational expenses incurred at the Chamber.

Although admission is free, the vendors pay a flat fee for their booths.

“Vendors really appreciate this flat fee, as opposed to some other craft shows where they are required to pay a booth rate or asked to pay a commission on their sales,” says Connie.

This year it is estimated that the Festival raised approximately $50,000, the highest amount ever raised.

Connie also estimates that about 15,000 people attended this year’s show, still another record-breaking number. She attributes the increased turnout to the extensive advertising that the Chamber engaged in this year.

Of course, the good weather all weekend didn’t hurt either!

Although this year’s show is barely over, the Chamber is already looking ahead to next year. Be sure to mark your calendar now for 20th Annual New Hope Juried Arts & Crafts Festival taking place September 28th and 29th in 2013.

PHOTO CAP: Charles and India Koehne, of Solebury, hold hand-crafted Fleece Buddies