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This article was prepared for the November 20, 2002 edition of U.S. 1 Newspaper. All rights reserved.

For Crafters, the Place to Be

They say if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. But the

29-year-old YWCA Crafters’ Marketplace is pleased to be growing again

this year, and doing so in a new setting, the Princeton Day School.

The Marketplace is a juried craft show showcasing more than 150 professional

artisans from eight states. They will be exhibiting original handmade

jewelry, pottery, clothing, and many other gift items. In addition

to shopping for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, you can have lunch at

the cafe and purchase homemade baked goods from the Cinnamon and Spice

Corner. Proceeds from this event benefit the Pearl Bates Scholarship

fund, which enables economically disadvantaged community members to

participate in YWCA programs.

"We are in our 29th year and last year’s attendance was over 4,000,

so we have a pretty strong following, including people who travel

some distance to attend," says Laura Snook, this year’s volunteer

in charge of crafters.

Snook has been involved with YWCA for 15 years, a member of its board

of directors for six years, and active in the crafters marketplace

for last five years. In addition to her volunteer work, Snook is an

owner of Alta Technologies, a Pennington firm that manufactures monofilament

braiding sleeving used in the electrical, communication, and medical

industries.

Crafters Marketplace started at YWCA itself. Over the years it has

been held at the Stuart School and most recently at John Witherspoon

School. Last year the group learned it would need a new location for

2002 due to renovation at the school.

The fair will be using the Princeton Day School main building, all

from the reception area, the gymnasiums, dining halls (which is also

the location of the Newcomers Cafe), the Anne Reid Art Gallery, all

the way through the school.

Crafters for this year’s show were judged by slide submissions reviewed

by two three-person juries. "We do jury with gift giving in mind,"

says Snook. "We look at product and pricing so people who do not

have a lot of money to spend as well as collectors will find crafts

here."

"The show has built a reputation. We received a lot of calls from

people who heard about our show from other crafters and some people

we pursue." Members of the organizing committee attend other fairs

and offer applications to crafters who impress them. This spring,

contacts were made at the prestigious Smithsonian Institution craft

show in Washington, D.C. Snook reports that at least two of this year’s

new YWCA crafters were referred by exhibitors at the Smithsonian show.

The Y’s show is a fund raiser. The booth rental charge goes primarily

toward fair costs; public admission fees go to the Pearl Bates Scholarship

Funds to enables families with with financial difficulties the opportunity

to participate in all the Y’s activities from adult classes to children’s

after-school programs.