COLRAIN — There are a lot of “cottage industries” in the hills of Colrain and the annual autumn Crafts of Colrain self-guided tour gives the public a chance to meet the artists and see the beautiful, remote places where they live and work.
This year’s 14th tour will be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Newcomers might start at Pine Hill Orchards at 248 Greenfield Road for a display of work to be seen on the tour. You’ll also find maps there and at all 19 participating studios.
The works to be seen and purchased ranges from pottery and stoneware to inlaid wooden cutting boards, and New England furniture, felted silk scarves, hand-forged iron accessories, hand-knit socks, carved gourds, baskets and fishing lures. There is also hand-crafted beer and, for children, goats and sheep to pet.
Two new artists are part of this year’s event: Jeweler Inge Jockers works in precious metals and is inspired by nature and antique designs. Jeremy Topitzer, a master woodworker and timber framer, will demonstrate his skills with hand tools.
Lunch and snacks will be available both days at the Catamount Country Store and until 2 p.m. at Pine Hill Orchards. Also there will be food on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Colrain Elementary School.
Participating artists include: Woodworker Al Ladd and textile artist Marilyn Beal; decorative arts Eugenia Shearer; wearables and yarns by Cynthia Herbert and Bob Ramirez at Keldaby Farm; Justin and Evan Morrell metalsmiths; Jennifer Kapitulik fiber art; Peggy Davis and Joe Kurland, calligraphy and photography.
Also featured are Helen Olson’s jewelry/photography; hand-carved fishing lures by A. Hans Schoedel, baskets by Sarah Schoedel; rug-hooking by Diana and Liz O’Brien; fiber art and yarns by Carole Adams; mixed media, visionary art by Ruby Rice; rugs and tapestries by Lynn Watson Fisher; natural yarn by Jim Lyons and Jill Horton-Lyons; and “Mud Man Pottery” by Cliff Daniels. Bob Olson exhibits pastel paintings; Ceacy Henderson creates textile wall-hangings and mixed-media collages, and Ken Noryes Jr. makes furniture and cabinets using native hardwoods.
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