GUILFORD — The organizers of the annual Guilford Holiday Studio Sale, happening Nov. 18 and 19, added a new artist to their roster this year: Dennis Waring and his handmade musical instruments.
Waring joins seven other artists and craftspeople at the sale the weekend before Thanksgiving in the Green River studio of weaver Carol Schnabel.
“It will be fun to see, feel, and hear [Waring's musical instruments] in person,” event organizer and artist Nancy Detra said.
Detra explained how the event got its start 17 years ago: “It began because Carol Schnabel likes to have parties, and she and I, old friends and near neighbors, both delight in making things."
The show is not juried per se, Detra said, but, “from those first few years on, we've added people who make things that delight us. Then our added members have made suggestions of other makers, and so space has been our main limiting factor."
Detra and Margaret Dale Barrand make brightly colored “pop-up” puppets in a variety of sizes, using some recycled materials and fabric scraps. This year, they expanded their line into Christmas tree ornament-sized puppets.
“We've been making puppets for about a year and a half now. Having both retired from teaching young children, Margaret Dale and I are both fascinated by a child's willingness to talk to a puppet,” Detra said.
Schnabel will sell her scarves and shawls in “a new array of luscious colors and fibers this year,” according to the news release.
John Dimick will show his oil and watercolor landscape paintings, inspired by the cross-country coach and runner's travels through rural Vermont.
Chef Vicki Houghton makes beaded jewelry when she's not in the kitchen, and takes her inspiration “from the warm palette of Tuscany, where she traveled earlier this year,” the news release says.
Art teacher and therapist Susan Rosano will display her stained glass and mosaic pieces.
Although the event promises a variety of creations to look at, wear, and play with, visitors will also find “abundant refreshments and pleasant company,” the sale's organizers say.
Mary Ellen Franklin of Franklin Farm, a diversified family farm and dairy located on Weatherhead Hollow Road, will sell “maple everything,” Detra said, “from syrup to candy, maple cream, maple butter, and a maple salad dressing called Zesty Blend."
“We always make a delicious array of edibles, both savory and sweet, to encourage our visitors to stick around, chat and buy. There are beverages too,” Detra said.