The 2016 Friends of Upper Dublin Library Art in the Park Crafts Show (third annual) held August 27th again proved to be very successful for the Friends (net proceeds over $3,100), the crafters, and the buying public. We had 78 crafters at the growing event (from NJ, PA, and DE), presenting an impressive array of quality products.  Besides the traditional wide variety of jewelry and greeting cards, other items included hand blown glass, mosaic ceramics, pottery, sewn and knitted items, quilling art (not quilting—look it up), pet accessories, candles, etchings, soaps/lotions, jams/salsa, and photography.  Among new vendors to the show were makers of corn brooms from the Lancaster area and an artist applying temporary henna tattoos.

Another unique vendor was a seventh-grade boy from Harleysville who demonstrated creating 3D printing pen art designs and provided the opportunity for the public to sit down and try their hand at it for a few minutes.

Additionally, two 14-minute presentations of a marionette show, The Three Little Pigs, presented by Linda Walker and Jennifer Sivers, were extremely well received and proved to be a large draw for children and adults (and not just the parents).  Approximately 150 people viewed the morning show and around 50 attended the afternoon presentation.  The accompanying photo shows part of the morning show audience.

Almost all of the crafters who filled out surveys declared their intention of participating in the 2016 show; that is a good measure of success.  A large number expressed their appreciation for the help by the Friends Volunteers in helping them set up and take down their spaces.  We also received some useful suggestions to help us grow our show in future years.  The Board of the Friends will be reaching out to Friends members to request their involvement prior to and during the show to make it even better.

Again, many thanks and our appreciation to the following sponsors: Jarrettown Hotel/Gio’s Pizza Rustica, George’s Market, In the Bag Deli, Giant Food Stores, Herr’s Goods, and the Horsham Philly Pretzel Factory.