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Spotlight On: Craftboston Annual Holiday Fair

BOSTON (CBS) - This weekend, December 9-11, 2011, Craftboston's annual Holiday Fair is being held at the Cyclorama at Boston Center for the Arts. A gathering of various craft and art vendors, Craftboston is the perfect place to find unique gifts each holiday season. It's also a great way to discover and support local artists. Sarah Cunningham, Marketing and Programs Director, took some time to tell us more about this weekend's event.

Jaime Ganson: Tell us about Craftboston and how this annual holiday fair got started.

Sarah Cunningham: Craftboston Spring and Craftboston Holiday are New England's premier exhibitions and sales of contemporary art, craft and design. Craftboston Spring was started in 2002, and takes place annually at the Seaport World Trade Centerin Boston. When the long running Crafts in the Castle show ended, Craftboston Holiday was born to fill the void of Holiday fine craft shows in Boston.

Now in its fourth year, Craftboston Holiday offers the work of 90 of the most innovative craft artists of our time at the historic Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts in the South End. For three days, artists will showcase one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces in baskets, ceramics, decorative fiber, art-to-wear, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper and wood. It's an amazing opportunity for creative shoppers, collectors and those who are looking for the perfect gift to complete their holiday shopping.

JG: What makes Craftboston such a special and unique craft fair?

SC: Craftboston Holiday provides a relaxed and creative environment to get into the spirit of the holidays while also checking off the people on your list. The show features the work of 90 U.S. based artists, many of which are local to New England, therefore making it a great opportunity to speak with the actual artists about their work while supporting the local and national arts economy. Attendees can roam the aisles of the historic Cyclorama building, converse with artists, purchase gifts or items for their personal collections, and then take in dinner at one of the many outstanding restaurants in Boston's eclectic South End.

JG: I see you have many vendors this year; what do you look for when choosing applicants?

SC: Craftboston Spring and Craftboston Holiday are juried shows, with three independent jurors who are well known and respected in the art field. Because the jury changes every year, the show supports a wide variety of fine craft artists, with no two shows being alike. Both Craftboston Spring and Craftboston Holiday feature artists that show mastery in their craft, and often showcases one of a kind and limited edition pieces.

12/6 Shopping & Style Buying Crafts
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JG: What can visitors to the 2011 Craftboston (December 9-11) expect when shopping for gifts?

SC: Visitors to Craftboston Holiday 2011 can expect to find a myriad of gifts in ceramics, decorative fiber, art-to-wear, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper and wood. It's an amazing opportunity for creative shoppers, collectors and those who are looking for the perfect gift to complete their holiday shopping.

Additionally, gift seekers will enjoy the CRAFT Under $100 program, which identifies handmade work that can be purchased without breaking the bank. Craftboston Holiday will offer the work of the most innovative craft artists of our time and with CRAFT Under $100, you will easily be able to find the perfect gift at a price you can afford.

JG: How do visitors get tickets, and where can they find more information?

SC: The public may purchase tickets at the ticket counter in the front entrance of the show. Tickets may also be purchased in advance by calling 617-266-1810. General admission tickets are $15, and $3 off coupons can be found in many local newspapers this week. Tickets are good for all three days of the show, allowing attendees to come and go as they please with a purchased ticket. Additional information about Craftboston Holiday can be found at www.craftboston.org.

Jaime is a twenty-something blogger living, working, & shopping in Boston. Interested in all thing things stylish whether it be the latest fashion trend on the runways to the newest decor featured in home magazines, she blogs all about it, and tidbits of her life, at La vie…J'aime. Follow her on Twitter and Pinterest, as well.

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