It’s an East Aurora – Roycroft Weekend
East Aurora, New York could well claim to have been the birthplace of the American Arts and Crafts movement, for it was there in a drafty barn in 1895 that Elbert Hubbard, inspired by William Morris, first began publishing his hand-illuminated, hand-printed, and hand-bound books. And from that humble beginning came the Roycroft Inn and Campus, which remained an active Arts and Crafts enterprise until 1938.
The current Arts and Crafts Revival also traces its roots to East Aurora, where early Arts and Crafts enthusiasts promoted the campus, vintage Roycroft antiques, and a new generation of artisans. While the campus is always active, from 10:00am-5:00pm on December 2nd and 3rd the town of East Aurora and the Roycroft Campus will be humming with activity during their annual winter festival.
There will be several shopping locations throughout four historic Campus buildings: the Print Shop, the Copper Shop, the Power House, and the Furniture Shop. Guests will be able to shop directly from local artists and watch demonstrations in glassmaking. Food trucks will be on the Campus and holiday treats will be served.
On the campus that weekend will be several artists and artisans, some belonging to the Arts & Craftsmen Guild, who will have works for sale. The Arts & Craftsmen Guild is a collection of artists who, in collaboration with The Roycroft Campus, develop and preserve excellence in craftsmanship, provide educational benefits to members and the community, and promote the value of juried artist’s work. Toward their goal of raising funds for scholarships, and eventually to support a Roycroft campus restoration project, artist Jan Schmuckal has graciously donated to their December fundraiser an original oil painting and three prints, all framed by Jim Conell-Cordes of Floyd East (see picture above).
“The Campus is a beautiful place to visit during the holidays, and this event is becoming a yearly tradition for the community” says Curt Maranto, Executive Director of the Roycroft Campus. “We have a very diverse and talented group of artists participating this year; everyone will be able to find those perfect holiday gifts while enjoying the atmosphere of the historic Campus.”
In addition, the Roycrofters-at-Large Association will be hosting its Roycroft Winter Festival at the East Aurora Middle School at 430 Main Street, across the street from the Roycroft Campus on December 2nd and 3rd. The hours are also 10:00am-5:00pm both Saturday and Sunday. There will be 35 exhibitors, including Roycroft Master Artisans James Miller and Christie Schorf-Miller, Ron VanOstrand, Thomas Pafk, Eileen DelDuca, Suzanne Mair, Laura Wilder, Betty Stephan, Patty Cancilla, Susan Lichtenthal, C.J. Hurley, Cynthia Hand, Louise Richens, Linda Nagelmeyer, Jerry and Ann Perry Smith, Mary Pratt, Leah Corey, Janice Brecht, Sam Haney, and Margaret Cherre, along with other Roycroft Artisans and others.
For more information please go to [email protected] or call (716) 655-7252.
For further information on events at the Roycroft Campus, please call (716) 655-0261 or visit www.roycroftcampuscorp.com. The Campus is located at 31 South Grove Street and is open year-round, seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.
Pictured: Silversmith Al Sleeper’s “Snowflake” Necklace.