The Rochester Folk Art Guild craftspeople are glad to announce the dates for this season’s Open Studio weekends, a welcome holiday shopping opportunity eagerly awaited by the wider Finger Lakes community. The first weekend is November 16 and 17, the second follows on December 14 and 15. The East Hill Gallery and all Guild workshops will be open from 11 am to 5 pm all days. In addition to new work in the crafts of pottery, weaving, woodworking and natural fiber clothing there will be fresh holiday baking.
There is no admission charge and plenty of convenient parking at 1445 Upper Hill Road, just off Route 364 between the hamlet of Middlesex and Potter. Touring the craft studios and visiting with the artisans in an unhurried atmosphere has become a favorite seasonal tradition for many. In addition, some treasures among the discounts and seconds can be found.
The Folk Art Guild pottery is renowned for variety and quality. Gifts in all price ranges, from a colorful stoneware bowl to a carved celadon porcelain vase will be on display. Many people go home with a pair of stoneware coffee mugs to enjoy hot brew all winter with their partners.
In all the workshops creativity abounds, such as the eco-printing done by the team in Natural Fiber Clothing. This magical printing technique graces eye-pillows and lavender filled sachets. Up in the Woodshop, the turner’s fancy has produced a run of round boxes in osage orange with finial tops of plum, padouk, bubinga, and ebony. There is a stop in nearby Romeo to make your own note card using dried flowers and special papers, and in the East Hill Gallery to choose a childrens book or a great read for a cozy evening.
While at the Guild, visitors can check out and register for the intriguing line-up of winter workshops, whether in linoleum block printing (Feb.1 and 8) or Navajo weaving (March 8-11). Giving a workshop would make a great gift, too!
WHO: Open Studios at the Rochester Folk Art Guild
WHEN: December 15, 11 am to 5 pm all days
WHERE: 1445 Upper Hill Road in Middlesex, between Middlesex and Potter, off Route 364.
ADMISSION: No entry charge
MORE: Visit folkartguild.org or call 585 554-3539
About the Rochester Folk Art Guild
A not-for-profit arts community and educational institution, the Guild began its work in crafts more than 60 years ago. Located on a 350-acre farm in New York’s Finger Lakes Region, the Guild has grown to receive worldwide recognition for its handcrafts, which have found their place in museums, private collections, shops, and galleries through the United States. The Guild also offers workshops for adults and conducts educational outreach programs for children. Its Apprenticeship Program is designed for young people who are searching for a practical, hands-on approach to learning and living. Working alongside experienced master craftspeople, apprentices learn proficiency in a craft and how to live alongside others in a community setting. Over the past fifteen years, the Guild has offered an annual Craft Weekend in the summer for all ages.