See Creativity in Action!
Part of what makes the Annual Craftsmen’s Fair experience so memorable are the daily craft demonstrations. Every day at the Fair, you can watch different master craftsmen and craft guilds transform raw materials into finished pieces of functional art before your eyes. You will receive first-hand insight into the creative process and the range of techniques craftsmen use.
Every day there will be engaging demonstrations including artistic blacksmithing, woodworking, pewter casting, pottery (stoneware and raku pots), woodburning, cyanotypes, rug hooking and much more!
Daily Demonstrations:
Enjoy different demonstrations daily by Craft Guilds and Juried Members. Many of these demonstrations include the opportunity to try the technique yourself, so be sure to ask when you visit the tents.
Our daily demonstrations are generously sponsored by Dorr Mill Store.
VIEW THE DAILY DEMONSTRATION SCHEDULE IN OUR EVENT CALENDAR
Ongoing Demonstrations:
These activities and demonstrations are ongoing every day of the Fair and are free for all ages. Thank you to our sponsors who help to make this possible.
Traditional Blacksmithing Demonstration with Garry Kalajian: Tent C
Garry will demonstrate traditional blacksmithing techniques: heating iron and steel bars in a coal forge and hammering them into door latches, candle holders, letter openers, and other household objects. This marks Garry’s 25th consecutive year of demonstrating for 9 full days at the Fair!
The Blacksmithing Demonstration is generously sponsored by the NH State Council on the Arts.
Woodworking Demonstrations with the Guild of NH Woodworkers: Tent E
Demonstrators include members from the Guild of NH Woodworkers, Granite State Woodcarvers, Granite State Woodturners and Granite State Luthiers. Enjoy the hum of the lathes and other equipment as the Guilds present varied demonstrations throughout each day of the Fair. Stop by and learn more about their scholarship programs as well.
Hands-on Activities at the Fair:
Express your creativity and try your own hand at craft at one of the Fair’s ongoing activities! Activities are free for all ages.
Pottery Tent: Tent N
A unique opportunity to experience the exciting world of pottery! Take a turn on a pottery wheel and try your hand at throwing with the The New Hampshire Potters Guild. Learn skills such as centering, opening, and pulling clay into unique and beautiful shapes. Or explore handbuilding and create a cup, bowl, or sculpture of your own design.
The Pottery Tent is generously sponsored by Supporting Strategies with volunteers from the New Hampshire Potters’ Guild.
Kids Create!: Tent P
Hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Explore the world of craft by trying a variety of different materials and techniques, and make some fun projects to take home. Kids and their grown-ups are invited to pop in anytime and stay as long as you want! Activities will vary throughout the week.
The Kids Create! Tent is generously sponsored by Bev and Dan Wolf.
Craft Clues Scavenger Hunt for Kids:
Kids, up to age 12, are invited to follow a color-coded Fair map to various locations throughout the Fair looking for clues. They write or draw the answers they discover on their Craft Clues sheet, and when they have found every clue, they can claim a handcrafted prize at the Kids Create Tent! Craft Clues sheets and badges can be picked up at the ticket gates or Kids Create tent.
Maps at Ticket Gates/Prizes at the Kids Create! Tent P
Community Loom: Near Tent P
Try weaving with a variety of materials while working on a collaborative tapestry!
