By Mindy Spray
When a show can repeat success, it becomes an annual event. So this year, the Bucks County Guild of Craftsmen (BCGC) is pleased to announce the Third Annual Fine Crafts at the Winery.
This exciting arts & craft show returns to the New Hope Winery in New Hope, PA this year on Saturday, September 6, 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday, September 7, 11 am – 5 pm. Admission is $4 and includes a ticket for the show’s raffle of artist & craftsmen items.
Founded more than 40 years ago, the BCGC consists of about 100 members and diligently endeavors to help local craftsmen both network and find outlets for their work. For the 2014 Fine Craft at the Winery Show, the BCG will feature 25 local artists and craftsmen who work in a wide variety of art & craftsmanship. Exhibitors include fine art, hand-crafted jewelry, decorative woodturnings, photography, pottery, fiber art, and other works including fused glass and contemporary furnishings
“Many other groups are specific to a single craft or art form,” says Cynthia Prediger, BCGC show co-chairman. “The BCGC encompasses a very broad spectrum of crafts and fine art and has established criteria for each.”
Fine Crafts at the Winery is juried, meaning only craftsmen who demonstrate the highest quality product are included. While this might exclude some craftsman, it ensures each exhibitor’s work displays an excellence that distinguishes them from the mainstream. “When a craft show or art show is juried, a committee is established to review the quality of the applicants’ work,” Merle Slyhoff, co-chair explains. “The BCGC has the same high standards used by the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. So the public can be assured that the quality of the work in the show is of the highest caliber.”
It’s the culture of Bucks County that allows such work to thrive. “There’s a certain sophistication among the residents and buyers of this area. People here anticipate the handmade goods in our shows,” Prediger said. “They appreciate the joy of discovering a new craft, the perfect piece for their home, and learning how it was made."
The show returned to the New Hope Winery because of an excellent partnership. “The winery’s location is excellent, the facility is wonderful, and the management is terrific,” Slyhoff, co-chair explains.
The BCGC is one of 11 chapters comprising the larger Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, which acts as an umbrella group for all craftsmen. In addition to the show, the BCGC sponsors monthly programs and networking events, as well as providing its members the opportunities to display their work at shows or online. Hohlfeld says he hopes to see residents from throughout Bucks County come out and support local craftsmen: "We’re your neighbors and friends, and we’re here in Bucks County. Come see what we do."
For more information on the Bucks County Guild of Craftsmen and a complete schedule of events, go online at www.bucksguild.org/Winery2014 A discount coupon is available on the webpage.

