Wilton's 35th Annual American Artisan Show Features Nine Connecticut Makers

Online Show Benefits Wilton Historical Society Now through December 5

Support a local non-profit organization and skilled artisans creating beautiful hand-crafted contemporary and traditional furnishings and wearables, all made in the USA.

The Wilton Historical Society is hosting the 35th annual American Artisan Show - the benefit event is taking place online for an entire month, from Thursday, November 5 – Thursday, December 5!

Anyone can shop online from a “by-invitation” group of 25+ makers. This year the show includes a record number of artisans from the Nutmeg State who are offering their own creative take on wood sculpture, letterpress printed cards, ceramics, jewelry, soap, cashmere wearables, and floor cloths. Perhaps you know some of them – Wilton residents include jewelers Emmy Starr and Sabina Furst, Catherine Romer and her Nod Hill Soaps, plus Lynda Campbell’s Saltbox Press hand printed calendars and cards. Luxurious cashmere scarves, mittens and ponchos are made in Ridgefield by Annette Bonwetsch’s Luscious Green label.

A bit further afield, in New Haven, Kiara Matos brings 25 years of experience and a modern sensibility to her ceramic vases, platters, lidded jars and sculptural colorful birds. The “quiet corner” of Connecticut is home to Ashley Garfield’s creative floor cloths, made in Danielson using a traditional technique with contemporary results. Christopher Lamontagne, artist, furniture maker, architectural wood worker, expert wood carver, and wood turner is offering some of his wood sculptures at the show, which he has crafted in the town of Sterling, also in the quiet corner. LMNT Jewelry’s Lauren Mullaney honed her metalsmithing skills at the CT School of Jewelry Art and now has her own studio in her hometown of West Hartford, CT. And last but certainly not least is the Wilton Historical Society’s own blacksmith, Skip Kern. Skip has been the resident blacksmith for about a year, and has used the 1890 Abbott Blacksmith Shop at the Museum Complex to polish and hammer over-the -door wreath hangers and angel Gabriel ornaments, available at the Betts Store Museum Shop at the American Artisan Show Online.

The event is an important fundraising effort for the Wilton Historical Society, supporting the education and historic preservation mission. 25+ highly-skilled artisans from across the country will be presenting their hand-crafted contemporary and traditional furnishings and wearables in an easy to use online shopping venue. Furniture, art, pottery, fine leather goods, Nantucket-style baskets, candles, Windsor chairs, art, tavern signs, fine jewelry, photography, and much more – will be available for purchase. Every purchase benefits the Wilton Historical Society. There is plenty of time for thoughtful gifting and delivery for the holidays. Go to www.wiltonhistorical.org to start shopping now! Every purchase will support the Wilton Historical Society, as well as the talented artisans from nine states who have hand-made wares for sale.    

Plus, a fabulous Silent Auction is also accessible from the same site, with a diverse selection, including a priceless exhibition tour with Chris and Tish Brubeck, vintage evening purses, art, and other surprises. The Silent Auction will run at the same time as the American Artisan Show, November 5 – December 5.

Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897 www.wiltonhistorical.org