FAIR INFORMATION
The Mountain State Art and Craft Fair®: An Appalachian Experience continues a long tradition of bringing high-quality craftsmanship to the beautiful state of West Virginia. It is known for hosting unique shopping, family fun and entertainment.
Since 1963 the fair has taken place on the grounds of the picturesque Cedar Lakes Conference Center near Ripley, WV. Operated by the WV Department of Agriculture, this serene setting makes the ideal landscape to feature some of the best that the Appalachian region has to offer.
FAIR HISTORY
The Mountain State Art & Craft Fair was introduced in 1963 as part of West Virginia’s Centennial Celebration. It was intended to be a one-time event to provide a marketplace for the state’s talented artisans. The 2019 Fair will mark its 57th annual year at Cedar Lakes Conference Center.
The Appalachian foothills of Jackson County provide the perfect backdrop for this three-day event. Visitors get a chance to shop and learn about products that are as authentic as the people.
“Artisans who exhibit at the fair are selected by a jury of craft experts from the Appalachian region,” said MSACF President Jan Sizemore. “All products represent some form of traditional or contemporary Appalachian arts and crafts.”
If you want to try a little crafting of your own, interactive artisan booths include broom making, basket weaving and stained glass workshops, among others. Each of these classes is designed to let you walk away feeling good about learning something new about traditional craftsmanship.
Three members of the WV Art & Craft Guild serve as representatives on the board of directors of the Mountain State Art & Craft Fair. The Guild has been part of the Fair since its inception in 1963.
The group includes Anne Swadley (potter from Ritchie County), Byron Young (woodturner from Kanawha County), and Helen Hemetek (artist from Jackson County).
The 2019 Fair is July 4-6 at Cedar Lakes Conference Center.
3 days ago ·
Preparation is underway for the 2019 Mountain State Art & Craft Fair. The dates are July 4, 5, 6 at Cedar Lakes Conference Center, near Ripley.
Officers are (front) Jeanie Smith (VP of Facilities); (back) Beth Southern (VP of Publicity), Debra Gard (VP of Education & Entertainment), and Jan Sizemore (President). Treasurer Jason Hughes is not pictured.
The Fair originated in the summer of 1963 with West Virginia's Centennial Celebration.
6 days ago ·
