CRANBURY: Foundation to have crafts show

By David Kilby, Staff Writer
   CRANBURY — The Cranbury Education Foundation will host the Cranbury crafts show March 12 and 13, an annual event, which has raised nearly $100,000 to support programs at the Cranbury School.
   The show, held inside the school, is now in its 14th year.
   This year, it will feature the work of more than 100 artisans from all over the Northeast and as far as Maine. The crafts include glasswork, floral designs, toys, photography, fine art, woodworking, adult and children’s clothing, pottery, jewelry and more.
   ”Craft show attendees will be able to shop with some of their favorite artisans who return year after year as well as dozens of crafters who are new to the Cranbury craft show,” said Katina Garthe, co-chairperson of the show. “The response among crafters was exceptional this year, making for an even more diverse offering of products.”
   Established in 1997 to promote and enhance the continuing excellence of the Cranbury School, the Cranbury Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization. The crafts show is its chief fundraiser.
   The show has a jury committee that judges the work due to the large number of applications.
   ”We review all the applications,” said Susan LeDonne, co-chairperson of the show. “We receive so many applications in every category so we try to choose the best crafters with unique and different items so we can provide an assortment of items for people to purchase.”
   With funds raised from the past 13 shows, the foundation has funded programs, equipment and infrastructure for the school.
   ”When the state eliminated 100 percent of its funding to the Cranbury Township School District last year, the foundation was proud to be able to work with the school to restore some of the programs and services that are so valuable to our students,” Ms. LeDonne said.
   She added, “The community’s support of our craft shows was the reason we were able to fund the school’s literary magazine and book clubs, both of which would have disappeared due to the state funding cuts. The foundation also made a grant to keep the Princeton High School Library open so students would have a place to remain after school.”
   In previous years, the foundation has funded costs associated with the large group instruction room, a mathematician-in-residence program, mobile computer labs, SMART boards, art and music equipment, including a kiln, and a mini grant program available to teachers.
   Carol Malouf, Cranbury’s chief school administrator, said the show has become an annual community event that marks the beginning of spring for many.
   ”The show has become an integral part of the Cranbury fiber, an event where the local residents come to reconnect after the long winter and enjoy the festivities,” Ms. Malouf said. “Again this year, the crafts show promises to be a special occasion.”
   The show will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5, $2 for senior citizens and $1 for children under 14.
   A supervised children’s center allows parents to shop while their children play in a designated area for free.
   For information, contact Ms. LeDonne at 609-409-4368 or Ms. Garthe at 732-501-8190.