WINTERFAIR
Fine Art and Fine Craft Fair
Celebrates 35 Years
In Columbus
December 2–4, 2011

For Immediate Release                                                              Contact: Sharon Kokot
November 17, 2011                                                                                    (614) 486-4402

(Columbus, Ohio)—(Columbus, OH)—Celebrating its 35th year, Winterfair, the juried fair of fine art and fine craft by over 400 artists from across the country, will be held December 2–4 at the Ohio Exposition Center on the Ohio State Fairgrounds. This artists’ market features ceramics, glass, wearable art, jewelry, sculpture, painting and photography. Discerning shoppers will find everything from a beautiful glass vase for their home to a hand-carved wooden bowl for salads or snacks.

“We’re kicking off the holiday season with unique gifts handcrafted by artists from across the country,” commented Sharon Kokot, executive director of Ohio Designer Craftsmen, the organizers of the fair. “For just one weekend, Winterfair shoppers will find everything from a ceramic mixing bowl to a leather purse, silk jacket, or a pair of earrings not found anywhere else.”

Galena artists Kim and Katherine McClelland have been exhibiting at Winterfair since its debut. The pair carve intricate designs in resin to create jewelry and objects for the home.  Other artists participating this year include Indiana artist G. M. LeSeure, who designs elegant, fine metal jewelry. Greg Roche, California, makes distinctive leather purses and bags, and pottery by Jim Kemp of Indiana is bright and whimsical. These artists will be among the 400 exhibitors from 35 states.

Winterfair visitors can experiment with a variety of art forms and techniques in a special area that will feature hands-on projects led by area arts organizations, including the Guilded Lilies, Creative Women of Color and the Ohio Craft Museum.

Further information, including a complete directory of participating artists and images of the work, is available at www.winterfair.org. Proceeds from Winterfair support exhibitions and education programs of the Ohio Craft Museum. Hours are Friday, December 2, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday, December 3, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; and Sunday, December 4, noon—5 p.m. Admission: $7; Ohio Designer Craftsmen members free; children 12 and under free. Free return admission.

Winterfair is produced by Ohio Designer Craftsmen (ODC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of fine craft, and helping artists develop professional skills. ODC receives ongoing funding from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, Ohio Arts Council and the Columbus Foundation. Membership is open to both artists and craft enthusiasts. For further information on ODC, see our website www.ohiocraft.org