Paper cuts – Scherenschnitte by Pamela Dalton.
Distinguished artists and craftspeople from across the region will be present when the Keeler Tavern Museum hosts its inaugural Spring Artisans Show on Saturday, April 26, to be preceded by a special Preview Party on Friday evening, April 25.
The museum campus at 132 Main Street in Ridgefield — with its distinctive Cass Gilbert Carriage Barn, picturesque gardens, and charming Garden House — will be the setting for this event curated by VS Shows.
The collection will feature fine art, high-quality handmade furniture, fiber, and home décor items, jewelry, and a wide range of one-of-a-kind offerings. A multimedia exhibit titled Expressions: Spring — painting, sculpture and photography, will be staged in the Carriage Barn. While Saturday visitors browse, children will be able to enjoy games and crafts of their own. Food will be available for purchase.
Some 20 notable artisans and artists from all over the region are expected to participate, including Ridgefield artists Peggy Thomas, who will be displaying her pottery; Kokoon Jewelry designer Debbie Thornton; and painter Spencer Eldridge, whose works will be shown in the Carriage Barn as part of Expressions: Spring. Among the regional artists featured are Pamela Dalton who will be showing her intricate paper cuts — Scherenschnitte; Heidi Howard, who paints 18th- and 19th-Century trade and tavern signs; doll maker Eva-Maria Araujo; Kathleen McDonald, who makes chalkware figurines handcrafted from a collection of antique chocolate molds; and Robert Ferrucci, an artist of abstract action art, drip art and contemporary American folk art.
Saturday show hours are 10 to 5; admission that day is $8 ($7 with presentation of pre-show announcement postcard or advertisement). The wine-and-cheese Preview Party on Friday evening will offer early purchasing from 6 to 9 p.m., as well as opportunities to engage with artisans and artists; admission is $40 ($30 for museum members). Proceeds from ticket sales on both days benefit the Keeler Tavern Museum, a nonprofit historical site that is entirely self-funded.
Free off-premises parking is available nearby. To make reception reservations, and for directions or other information, visit keelertavernmuseum.org or call 203-438-5485.