Page 8 - 2025 Shaker Woods Festival Tab

8 Shaker Woods F ESTIVAL
Sunshine Artist Magazine continued from page 7
us in person or they may send their application to us via mail or email,” Wilt said. “Included with their application, crafters and artisans must submit photos or samples of their work. A committee of eight reviews all work submitted, and final decisions are mailed by letter to inform them of our decisions.”
The Shaker Woods Festival offers 230 permanent structures within 10 acres of beautifully manicured woods. “Our crafters and artisans own these structures. Once they are ready to retire, they can make the decision to sell their structure to another crafter or artisan coming in or take the structure with them,” Wilt said. “If taken down, this becomes an open space for new ones to construct their own.”
The awards offered at the festival include Best Overall Booth, Best Demonstration, Best Costume, and Best Overall Craftsmanship. Each award winner receives $100 and a plaque. In addition, the winners are published on the festival’s social media feeds, as well as on its website.
Wilt offered advice for those interested in becoming a part of this festival. “For crafters and artisans applying, one thing that we found to help us for the jurying process is to either come and see us in person or send in samples,” she said. “We found that pictures sometimes give no justice to one’s work. We also found that personally meeting applicants and listening to how their work is completed gives us so much more than a handwritten application.”
She said they believe in one theory. “Without our crafters and artisans, we could not survive as a show. With that being said, we accommodate our crafters and artisans any way that we possibly can and strive to meet their needs,” Wilt said. “We also listen to their views and opinions on how to better ourselves as promoters and to improve the quality of the show.”
Their goal is to continue improving Shaker Woods Festival in every conceivable way for years to come. She said they try their best to make sure all crafts are handmade, and they want the crafters and artisans to continue dressing in period clothing while demonstrating and selling their work. They never want to fall short of the show’s integrity.
“We appreciate all who make this show possible year after year — our artisans, crafters, concessioners, workers, our family, and importantly, our guests and families,” Wilt said.
Used with permission of Sunshine Artist magazine, America’s Art Show Resource for more than 50 years. Subscribe today for instant access to online event listings and more: www.sunshineartist.com.
#134
164 Conklin Road, Washington PA 15301 724-746-5531
#153
The Sweet Shoppe
by
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth While You Shop!
Caramel Apples • Candy Apples Chocolate Covered Strawberries Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cup Flavored Sodas • Bottled Water and Much More
www.CountryConfections.com