Next Generation is an opportunity for young craftsmen to participate in a mentoring program with juried members of the League of NH Craftsmen and join a cooperative selling area at the Annual Craftsmen’s Fair. The Fair tent is operated by the young craftspeople themselves as a hands-on learning experience. This is an opportunity for them to develop the skills and self-esteem to become successful in their future business ventures.
Applications are now open for the 2024 Fair.
ELIGIBILITY – AGES 12-22
All participants under 18 need an adult to help them during set-up and take down at the Fair and who can be easily reached if needed. Minor participant’s parents/guardians are required to sign a waiver to give permission to participate.
All participants need to create a display for their body of work. The work for sale and the display need to be well crafted and of excellent quality. The participant must also fulfill the volunteer obligation set by the coordinator. All participants are subject to the coordinator’s approval.
MENTORING
Next Gen participants will be assigned a mentor that is juried in their media category. The mentor will work with the participant before the Fair to advise them on their craft and display and provide encouragement. This may be done virtually or in-person. During the Fair, the mentor will come to look at the mentee’s finished work and will invite their mentee to visit their booth at an arranged time to discuss their craft and its presentation.
COMMITMENT
Participants are encouraged to join regular online meetings with the Next Gen program coordinators and guest artists, as well as the other youth participants. These meetings will focus on various aspects of the business of craft. Participants (and parent/guardian for minors) must attend mandatory meetings before the Fair, the date and time to be set by the coordinator. The Next Generation tent is staffed by the participants. The success of this program is dependent on a strong team effort. Fair commitment dates are finalized in the spring prior to the event.
- Participants are required to come to the Fairgrounds the Friday before the Fair opens to set up and meet with the coordinators.
- Participants are also required to help with take down from 5pm to 7pm on the last day of the Fair. If the participant is unable to help during set up and/or break down, a fee may be imposed by the coordinator.
- A schedule of informational Zoom meetings will be provided to all approved participants
CONDUCT
Participants are to behave in a professional and cooperative manner at all times during the planning meetings, setup and duration of the Fair. They shall be considerate of other participants and their property, as well as of LNHC staff members, Mount Sunapee staff, all Fair employees, volunteers, and customers.
COMMISSION
Participants are charged a 6% commission on their retail sales which is used to cover program expenses. Participants will receive a check for their retail sales, minus the 6% commission. An additional fee of 7% will be charged for any sales that are paid by credit card. Every attempt will be made to pay participants within 30 days of the close of the Fair.
All minors must have a signed WAIVER turned in to the coordinator prior to the Fair. These will be distributed in the spring.
2023-24 PROGRAM MANAGER
Rachel Montroy, League Education and Community Outreach Coordinator
603-224-3375 x 116
rmontroy@nhcrafts.org
