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Westport Craft Fair Offers Visitors A Chance To Create Their Own Art

WESTPORT, Conn. -- Newcomer Shibumi Silks drew in the crowds Saturday afternoon as it offered visitors a chance to try their hand at an ancient technique called water marbling at the 39th annual CraftWestport fundraiser.  

After just a few minutes of creative work, this fairgoer poses with her finished product at the Shibumi Silks booth.

After just a few minutes of creative work, this fairgoer poses with her finished product at the Shibumi Silks booth.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli
A fairgoer experiments with the ancient water-marbling technique to create a one-of-a-kind scarf by Shibumi Silks.

A fairgoer experiments with the ancient water-marbling technique to create a one-of-a-kind scarf by Shibumi Silks.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli
Crowds surround the Shibumi Silks booth in awe of the artwork being created right in front of them.

Crowds surround the Shibumi Silks booth in awe of the artwork being created right in front of them.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli
Studio DGM creator Danielle Gori-Montanelli poses with her business partner, and daughter, Saskia Gori-Montanelli, at CraftWestport on Saturday at Staples High School.

Studio DGM creator Danielle Gori-Montanelli poses with her business partner, and daughter, Saskia Gori-Montanelli, at CraftWestport on Saturday at Staples High School.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli
Shoppers test and try out all the fabulous styles at the K.M Hutton shop at CraftWestport.

Shoppers test and try out all the fabulous styles at the K.M Hutton shop at CraftWestport.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli
Studio DGM creates unique felt accessories such as these hairpins, matchstick brooches and Lego earrings at CraftWestport.

Studio DGM creates unique felt accessories such as these hairpins, matchstick brooches and Lego earrings at CraftWestport.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli
A view of some of the local vendors that were included in this years Pop-Up Marketplace at CraftWestport.

A view of some of the local vendors that were included in this years Pop-Up Marketplace at CraftWestport.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Memoli

“This is definitely one of the coolest vendors we've had here by far; it is something that truly makes this a craft fair,” said Lesley Volgel, a volunteer at the fair.

Spectators were mesmerized as silk was transformed into artwork by their friends and family, who took the opportunity to try the unique experience.

Staples High School hosted the 39th annual CraftWesport fundraiser. The fair housed 175 fine contemporary artists from across the country, making it Connecticut's largest indoor crafts festival. Vendors were selling anything from antiques and one-of-a-kind jewelry to furniture and specialty foods -- and more. 

But CraftWestport was not only about showcasing unique vendors but also about an important cause. Proceeds from admissions will be distributed to local charities by The Young Woman's League of Westport. The nonprofit supports local communities while also giving women the opportunity to bond and find new friendships within the region.

Whitney Foram, the organization's publicist, has helped to create a sense of community for the event by spearheading the new Pop-Up Marketplace featuring affordable gifts for everyone.

“The pop-up helps us put our own little touch on the fair by supporting local vendors and really representing what the Young Woman's League is all about,” Foram said. 

A popular stand in the pop-up was K.M. Hutton, who is an attorney by day and seamstress by night. Creator Kate Hutton designs handmade scarves, socks, gloves and more. Hutton, who started her business as a side project, was happy to join the list of vendors.

“The audience here really appreciates a handmade gift and this is the perfect way to bring our communities together,” she says.

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