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Community Corner

More than 400 Nationally Recognized Artists to Come to Gaithersburg, November 22-24

The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival will host more than 400 nationally-known artists and craftsmen, Friday November 22 through Sunday November 24, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, MD (outside Washington, DC). Tens of thousands of visitors will browse and buy the one-of-a-kind, handcrafted work from the prestigious, jury-selected artists from around the country all personally showing their seasonal-inspired works in pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, wood, leather, metal, furniture, home accessories, photography and fine art.

What makes the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Gaithersburg the “not-to-be-missed” early holiday tradition for shoppers around the region? Casual shoppers and serious art collectors alike can connect with the country’s most highly skilled and accomplished artisans during the three-day show. The artists and master craftspeople in the Festival have been featured on national television programs, commissioned to create large scale public artwork and invited to exhibit in the nation’s major fine art galleries and museums. Their work is displayed in corporate headquarters and restaurants, sold at high-end retail stores, worn by celebrities and even included in gift bags at Hollywood award presentations.

“The jurying process for the Festival is highly selective, and participants are chosen based on the quality of their work and the uniqueness of their items,” said Deann Verdier, President of Sugarloaf Crafts Festival. “Just as important, the show offers something for everyone – and for every budget. Shoppers can buy $20 earrings or $200 earrings… a beautiful ceramic mug to give as a gift or an entire 12-person place setting to use at home.”

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Craftspeople at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival use intricate and sophisticated techniques, quality sourced materials and multicultural influences often drawn from inspiration by traveling the world and years of mastering their craft. Visitors can meet each artist and discover the creativity and stories that result in their unique work. In addition, dozens of live demonstrations show off the fine craftsmanship that goes into creating each item sold at the show.

The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival offers fun for the whole family with live music and interactive kids’ activities. Specialty food purveyors will be on hand with gourmet treats to sample and buy, including hearty soups, olive oils and syrups, artisan breads, jams and dips, candies and chocolates, and cider and cocoa.

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The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival will be held Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23, from 10a.m. to 6p.m.; and Sunday, November 24 from 10a.m. to 5p.m. at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

Admission is $8 when purchased online and $10 at the door, and is good for all three days of the show. Children under 12 are admitted free. Free parking is available on site. For more information, including exhibitor lists, driving directions and admission discounts, visit www.sugarloafcrafts.com or call (800) 210-9900.

High-resolution images are available at http://www.sugarloafcrafts.com/pr/november_gaithersburg_photo.html.

For more than 38 years, the nation’s most talented artisans have sold their contemporary crafts and fine art direct to the public at Sugarloaf Craft Festivals. Attracting 175,000 visitors annually, Sugarloaf is consistently rated by leading industry publications as one of the top craft experiences in the country.

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