A Gathering Of American Craftsmen, Two Days In Wilton

WILTON — Three and a half decades ago a renaissance occurred in the field of traditional American arts. Running the gamut between fine art and folk art, America took notice and supported this rebirth.

Many artists and master craftsmen honed their skills by displaying in stores, shops and galleries.  Later, a select group of retail show promoters established new shows by inviting the best traditional American artists. Painters, furniture and clockmakers, woodcarvers, furniture decorators, weavers, potters, silversmiths, quilters, paper-cutters and fabric artists all exhibited in these shows. The public attended and generously supported these indigenous, rediscovered American art forms.

Now, many years later, a small group of well-respected artists and craftsmen is attempting to redefine the show experience. In place of a large field house or convention hall is a highly regarded, privately owned and intimate venue: The New England Historical Connection, at 300 Danbury Road (Route 7). 

Instead of the noisy and frantic rush at the usual show, “A Gathering of American Craftsmen Show” is moving in the opposite direction — quiet conversation at one’s own pace. The following 13 artists and artisans invite anyone with an interest in preserving these great American traditions to join them for one weekend only, Saturday, November 13 (9 am to 5 pm) and Sunday, November 14 (10 am to 4 pm), with their compliments:

*Kate Adams (KateAdamsFineMiniatureQuilts.com), with miniature quilts created in one-inch” scale from 19th Century fabrics. All work is matted and ready for wall hanging in hand-painted frames.

*Dan and Marlene Coble (DrCobleAndCompany.com) — Traditionally inspired painters, Dan and Marlene decorate furniture and accessories with grain painting, stenciling and free hand painting in styles reminiscent of American painted furniture of the 1790-1850s.

*Pam Dalton (PamalaDaltonPaperCutting.com) — Working primarily in the early American traditional style, Ms Dalton’s art reflects the common themes of historic paper cutting, using nautical, religious and rural motifs, with unrivaled detail.

*Susan Daul (SusanDaulFolkArt.com) — A North Carolina artist who uses using pen and ink watercolor to create fraktur (German illuminated lettering) style brought to America in the 1700s, Ms Daul’s work usually incorporates brightly colored birds and flowers along with animals and chosen quotations.

*Barbara Dull (TraditionalFolkArt.com), a Connecticut weaver providing originally designed shawls and throws. Each piece is hand woven with the finest hand spun and dyed fibers.

*Debbie Harwick (HeartwellsDesigns.com), with whimsical sewn art pincushions and emerys with animal themes based on antique sewing techniques of the 18th and 19th Centuries. 

*Shaari Horowitz (ShaariHorowitz.com), a Connecticut artist, creates hand-hewn and turned wood bowls layered with oil glazes, patinated gilding and intricately hand painted original designs.

*Will Kautz (KWKautz.com), who usually carves on a large scale, using early American folk art themes, including shop signs, and whose pieces are intricately detailed and distressed for a timeless, aged look.

*Paige and Larry Koosed (koosed.com) — Paige and Larry have been carving and painting together for over 35 years.  Their work of traditionally based watercolors and woodcarving combine their interest in handwork with their love of American folk art to create original and unique artwork.

*Leonard and Eve Marshcark (18thCenturyClocks.com), who recreate 18th Century inspired clocks from Bucks County, Penn., using beautifully figured woods that stand on their own or provide an inviting canvas for Eve to apply the near lost technique of American Schoolgirl Art.

*Greg and Mary Shooner, who recreate authentic redware pottery in their unrivaled interpretation of rare American redware antiques. 

*Steve Smithers (SteveSmithers.com), who since 1978 has been designing and creating hand hammered silver tableware (tea sets, bowls, candlesticks, etc.), as well as brass, bronze and silver lighting using the tools and techniques of early American silversmithing.

*Lynn Taylor (KingstonPottery.com), whose pottery is inspired by 17th and 18th Century fine ceramics.  Using clay, pigments and glaze, each piece is formed using the traditional potting techniques of wheel-thrown, sculpted or hand cut slabs.  All her work is hand painted with crisp detail and high sheen.

Admission is free all weekend, and light refreshments will be offered. Call 203-761-8646 for additional information.