Marblehead Festival of Arts Presents Artisans' Marketplace

The Marblehead Festival of Arts (MFoA) announces the very popular Artisans’ Marketplace, the 17th annual showcase of artists’ wares for sale. A highlight of the Festival, which runs this year from June 30-July 4, the Artisans’ Marketplace will be held outside Abbot Hall, 188 Washington Street, on Saturday, June 30 from 10 am until 5 pm; and on Sunday, July 1 from 10 am until 4 pm. The Marketplace features a variety of arts and crafts works at different price levels. The Marketplace will be home to 36 artisans along with the Marblehead Arts Association, which will feature their unique collection of cleverly painted whales by local artists. Silent auction of the whales will support the MAA scholarship fund.

“This year brings a special component to the Marketplace as 20 new artists join 16 veterans. “These artisans are bringing their unique works to the Festival from all over the North Shore and the New England region,” said Kiki Taron Kinney, who is co-chairing the event with Pamela Duncan. “This fresh and exciting group will provide a diverse and delightful media mix for Festival goers to enjoy. All buyers and browsers will be pleased with what they find here,” Duncan added.

Some of the artists’ distinctive offerings will include many styles of intricate jewelry; hand-blown, painted and stained glass; paintings in many mediums; photography with many themes; a wide variety of ceramic and pottery pieces; well-honed wood furniture; woven baskets; beautiful candles; wide-ranging gift items; and functional and unusual wearable art and accessories.

Among our Marblehead artists are newcomers Jennifer Casey, who enjoys painting furniture in folk art and nautical designs; Casey Rae Macomber, whose fine arts specialty is pen and ink drawings; and Joyce Mayer Clark, who creates bead-woven and embroidered jewelry. A complete list of artisans can be found at www.MarbleheadFestival.org.

A special treat for Artisans’ browsers and shoppers will be Dario’s Satellite Cafe – a new addition to this year’s Marketplace. Serving cold sandwiches, snacks and drinks, Dario will bring a new and delicious dimension to those around Abbot Hall on Saturday and Sunday.