Peddler’s Village Celebrates Arts and Crafts

For many, this weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, which oftentimes revolves around a recurring theme of festivals and outdoor events. With that in mind, Emmaus Patch readers may want to pencil in a road trip to this nearby destination on their day planners.

In fact, even as we speak, Peddler's Village (Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, PA) is readying the 20th edition of its Fine Arts and Contemporary Crafts Show, June 2 and 3, which is just another of the many reasons to put Peddler's Village on your agenda for summer fun.

This juried outdoor exhibition features original artwork including paintings, drawings, photographs, sculpture, jewelry and contemporary crafts with cash prizes being awarded in three categories: "Fine Art," "Contemporary Crafts," and "Photography.”

Eve Gelman, public relations manager for Peddler’s Village, wanted to make sure people understood this was not merely an insider’s contest. “All the artists will be displaying their work on the Main Green of Peddler’s Village, which is a beautifully landscaped section, and children especially enjoy watching as the art is being made there.”

Aside from the presentations, live entertainment and children's activities where they will get the opportunity to make their own crafts will also be on hand.

Peddler’s Village on an ordinary day offers a scenic array of colonial-style buildings, gardens, shopping options and much more. This scenic destination spot has been in Pennsylvania for 50 years, and visitors have walked its brick pathways to the area’s array of dining possibilities and enjoyed family fun at Giggleberry Fair, their amusement center.

Their 50th anniversary offerings promise a year full of special birthday festivities, contests, promotions, signature 50th anniversary merchandise, and of course, the annual Fine Arts & Contemporary Crafts Show on Saturday, June 2, and Sunday, June 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More than 40 of the region’s best artists will exhibit and sell a variety of work including paintings, photography, wood creations, mixed media, jewelry, pottery, glasswork, fiber creations, and ceramics.

Gelman said the definition of “region” however is rather broad. “We’re really talking about the entire Mid-Atlantic Region, so we have artists and craftspeople arriving from Pennsylvania, New York State, New Jersey, Delaware and the Washington D.C. area.”

Artists were juried in by a committee of art experts, ensuring only the highest quality of exhibited work. Judges ranging from fellow local artists, art professors, and art dealers will select show winners on Saturday, awarding $2,000 in cash prizes. One artist will receive the Founders Award and Peddler’s Village will purchase the artwork for the Jamison Family’s art collection on permanent display in the Village.

“The origination of the show came from Peddler’s Village’s founder Earl Jamison who wanted to celebrate the arts as well (as the Village’s historical setting),” Gelman said. “It started very small but now we’re up to more than 40 exhibiting artists and participants.”