Maker’s Hand showcases 13th festival of fine craft

Administrator | Nov 05, 2017 | Comments 1

County photographer Peggy deWitt is the only original artist still showing her craft in the Makers’ Hand Festival.

Story and photos by Olivia Timm
A showcase of fine craft featuring renowned artists kept crowds coming to the 13th annual Maker’s Hand fine craft show in Picton on the weekend.

This year, 39 artisans were selected to participate at the Community Centre at the Picton Fairgrounds to show and sell creations from myriad materials such as ceramics, fabric, granite and even leather from a couch.

The weekend-long event was bustling with visitors, according to Karen Tiller, in her first year as one of the organizers. Incredible volunteers, she says, are what make the event happen. They bring snacks and water to participants’ booths, help carry equipment to vehicles once the event finishes, and fill in at the booths for those who require a break – things not every craft show offers.

Professional photographer and County resident Peggy deWitt agrees the volunteers make being at the show comfortable and inviting for both vendors and visitors. deWitt has been chosen to participate at the show since its inception. She is the only artist remaining from year one.

Angie Parkins repurposes items such as sweaters, t-shirts and couch leather into mittens, bags, hats, and more. She is from Landsdowne and says she loves seeing people smile at her tags describing the item’s ‘former life’. Her mission is also to help eliminate waste – hence the name of her company Tread Lightly.

Francoise Mechin Pellet and Thierry Mechin, designers and makers, at L’Atelier du Presbytere, are from Milford and returned to the show for their second year.

Dana Laferrière started her company Green Stone Granite five years ago after finding out how much granite waste there is in the granite counter top industry. She cuts, polishes and chisels the stone into new usable products.