First Heritage Crafts Fair a Big Hit For Craft Lovers

The property surrounding the circa 1795 Daniel W. Kissam House became a field of gold for connoisseurs of handcrafted items when Huntington Historical Society hosted its first annual Heritage Crafts Fair on Saturday.

Although coordinating the event and rounding up an assortment of talented vendors was hard work, Director of Education Wendy Andersen said that it all paid off when the blessings of beautiful summer day and the variety brought out a crowd.

"It went very well. There was a constant stream of people, and the vendors did well. It has been very rewarding," Andersen said.

Andersen was wearing a striking piece of jewelry that she purchased from Kate Sydney, a former Huntington resident who now lives in Northport.

"I like to support local digs. I have been making jewelry since I was 12," said Sydney, who artfully mixes up sterling, freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones in her creations.

According to historical society's facilities coordinator, Maria DeLeo, the fair was a win-win situation for both the society and the vendors, and the society will most likely host another one next year.

"The vendors were very happy with the craft fair. They loved the space on the Kissam property," DeLeo indicated.

Trustee Lucie Blohm echoed DeLeo's sentiments.

"I thought it was delightful. We were so lucky that the weather held out, and it set a tone for the day. The vendors were excellent, top quality. I really think people enjoyed themselves," Blohm said, applauding the efforts of Andersen, executive coordinator and descendant of the Kissam family, Toby Kissam, and education outreach coordinator, Cathi Horowitz, all of whom worked tirelessly to bring the event to fruition.

"Young people volunteered," Blohm said. "They helped set up and break down vendors' booths."

Blohm was particularly taken with the work of Peter Dov Varga, aka Peter the Paper Cutter, who creates silhouetted vignettes in black and white reminiscent of the German and Pennsylvania Dutch art of 'scherenschnitte,' using  an X-acto knife.

"He is a very talented man. It is a dying art, I'm sure," Blohm said as she marveled over Peter's work.

Blohm was not impervious to the charms of a particular piece of stained glass, which she purchased and plans to suspend in front of a window in her home, she indicated.

Almost as soon as Huntington resident Lynne Tobin arrived, she gravitated to the booth manned by photographer, Rich Iaboni, and chatted with him about an image that he had taken of the Huntington Lighthouse.

Iaboni, who had traveled in from Setauket, said that it was a good day for him, and that he enjoyed a steady stream of sales.

Pat Frederick of Hauppauge was happily surprised to see Esmeralda Designs, the booth presided over by Christina Bjenning. Bjenning showcases the beauty of reclaimed precious metals and conflict-free diamonds, rough rubies and emeralds in her jewelry designs.

"I am a collector. Her work is phenomenal. I have seen her at other shows, " Frederick said, adding that she has been enjoying the earrings that she previously purchased from Bjenning.

As for Bjenning, she said she was impressed, not only by attendance at the event, but by the property's history. 

"It's a permanent exhibit of times' past," Bjenning said of the Kissam House. "There are a lot of things to do for the family and I think that made the fair extra attractive."