Simsbury Woman's Club Arts & Crafts Festival

The Simsbury Woman's Club will be holding its 42nd arts and crafts festival on Sept. 17 and 18. 

The two-day event is held in the center of Simsbury on Iron Horse Blvd. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days and is held rain or shine. 

There is no admission charge, although you are welcome to make a donation. Parking is free in any of the nearby lots.  You won't want to miss seeing what our 100 or so fine artists and crafts people have to offer. There is something for everyone.

The artists, many of whom have participated in the show for several years, include individuals who work in a variety of mediums such as oils, pastels and watercolors. Their works range from landscapes and seascapes to still life and to portraits and silhouettes. Several photographers are participating this year. You'll find them displaying a wide range of nature photography as well as a variety of prints of local sites and prints from around the world. 

Also on display, the work of several artisans who make jewelry. The jewelry includes the fine work of goldsmiths and silversmiths as well as a wide range of products with beads and precious and semi-precious stones. You can find a gift for a special occasion or a trinket for a child. There are potters and glass blowers with items for everyone’s taste. 

The crafters fill the spectrum with goods including wooden objects, flower arrangements, handmade clothing ranging from casual to super chic, fleece products, bonsai trees, garden ornaments, honey products and hand painted note cards. All work by both the artists and crafters is original and hand-made.

In addition to the artists and crafters, there are several other features to this year’s festival that will make it fun for all to attend. There will be live demonstrations of rug hooking, weaving and wood carving. For car enthusiast, the Valley Collector Car Club will have vehicles on display.   And we will have live music both days.  

Finally there is food. The Simsbury Woman’s Club has a coffee tent with bagels and donuts for sale. We also have a bake sale with all kinds of goodies made by our club members. You need to come early to get the best selection of pies, cakes and other mouth-watering treats. A group from the Civitan organization will be there to sell hamburgers and hot dogs. 

The Simsbury Woman’s Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit, service organization. Some of the proceeds from the Festival are used to fund three scholarships — two to individuals graduating from Simsbury High School and one to an adult who is continuing her college education in the local area. The balance of the proceeds become donations to non-profit groups throughout the greater Hartford area such as SCTV, Meals on Wheels, VNA, Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance, the ABC House, Keep Simsbury Warm, South Park Inn, My Sister’s Place and Fidelco. 

For more information email simsburywomansclub@hotmail.com.