COLRAIN — The artists and craftspeople in the 18th annual Crafts of Colrain studio tour, following their pop-up show in Buckland in October, are now preparing for their traditional Veterans Day weekend event on Saturday, Nov. 13, and Sunday, Nov. 14.
A mix of artists and artisans will welcome the public to their studios from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
In East Colrain, Al Ladd does fine woodworking, creating inlaid gifts, and Marilyn Beal works with natural dyes to create one-of-a-kind silk scarves. On Greenfield Road, Morrell Metalsmiths forge iron home and garden pieces. Kevin French is on Foundry Village Road, and some of his unique upcycled metal work can be seen from the road.
At Keldaby Farm on Heath Road, participants can visit Cynthia Herbert, known for her studio-dyed mohair socks and other handwoven and knitted mohair clothing, accessories and throws. She is hosting Jen Kapitulik, selling potholders and face masks, and Inge Jockers, who designs gold, silver and copper settings for her semi-precious stone jewelry.
New tour members include Tony “Pacifico” Palumbo, who has a new gallery in his home, featuring his paintings, next door to Keldaby Farm. Farther up Heath Road, Olga Solamita will display her paintings and photography.
Guests can continue west on Adamsville Road to find calligraphic art and upcycled cloth creations by Peggy Davis and photography by Joe Kurland in their gallery, open Sunday only. Participants can also sample and purchase craft beer made by Justin Korby of Stoneman Brewery, returning to the tour this year on Stetson Brothers Road.
On Route 112, guests can visit Neil and Rosemary Stetson and acquire wooden utensils. They will also be hosting Carole Adams of Fiber, Flock and Fancy. Genie Shearer, known for her painted collectibles, is nearby.
Turn onto Patten Hill Road to see Diana O’Brien’s traditional rug-hooking studio and learn about her classes. Heading north on 112, Ken Noyes shows his furniture and cabinetry, and on Thompson Road, Sarah Schoedel has an array of work made with natural materials, including handwoven baskets. On Wilson Hill Road, participants can visit Jim Lyons and Jill Horton-Lyons at Winterberry Farm for farm-raised wool and angora yarns.
Crafts of Colrain’s website, craftsofcolrain.com, has a map of the studios, videos of the artists and artisans, and links to their websites.