The Second Annual Harvest Makers and Art Market held at the Mill at Shelburne Falls (located on the Buckland side of the Iron Bridge) returns on Saturday, October 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The market features work by resident makers-- both old and new-- and hosts the return of the popular Pots for Pets fundraiser.
The Pots for Pets tradition was started thirteen years ago by Patty Corsiglia, a longtime pottery student of Molly Cantor and a volunteer at the Dakin Animal Shelter. Molly and her students put pottery seconds out for sale by donation with the funds raised going to the Dakin Animal Shelter and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Regional Dog Shelter. Members of The Handle Factory Community Clay Center, founded at the Mill in 2019 by Cantor, continue the tradition in Corsiglia’s memory at the Harvest Makers Market.
Carson Converse, contemporary quiltmaker, and one of the newest additions to the Mill’s community of makers and artists is a first-time participant in the market. After studying sculpture at Boston University, her interest in the decorative arts and architecture led Carson to complete a master’s degree in interior design from the New England School of Art and Design. She continues to work in a range of disciplines, often blurring the line between craft, fine art and design. Her award-winning modern art quilts focus on strength of form, materiality and attention to detail. Especially created for the market, Converse shows a variety of small items made from quilted textiles, pillows, pouches, and small stretched and matted artwork.
New community makers participating in the market are Karen Sullivan and Pat Hayes. Sullivan has been weaving baskets for over 35 years and uses many different techniques and materials. She also teaches chair seating including cane, rush, shaker tape and splint. Pat Hayes of P. Hayes Designs is a long-time silk artist who creates hand-dyed clothing and accessories in both casual and formal styles. She merges her experienced eye for color with top-quality professional tailoring, to create a unique and memorable look for any occasion.
Returning local community artists feature woodturner WR Haines with memorial urns turned from local wood, bench jeweler Mark Lattanzi of Alchemy Studio with fine silver jewelry set with semi precocious stones, and Buckland weaver Emily Walsh Gwynn of Hands to Work textiles shows her heritage table linens and home decor.
Returning Mill resident artist and makers include sculptural gourd and watercolor artist Emily Gopen, Jane Beatrice Wegscheider with 2D mixed media artworks and drawings; Laura Iveson and her photo transfer art and Judy Wombwell shows an assortment of origami pieces and abstract photographic panels.
Additional Mill exhibitors feature flamework glass artist Jeremy Sinkus; landscape painter Ann Lofquist selling greeting cards featuring her paintings of the Mill and its environs, resident textile artists: Heather Wynne of Connected Threads, Katie Cavacco of Free Ramblin’ Kids, and handweaver and felt maker Sue McFarland; Yani Counelis, mixed media artist; and weather vane and etched ornament maker, Marian Ives; Other featured participants include members of The Handle Factory Community Clay Center founded in 2019 by Molly Cantor, potter and pottery teacher, with ceramics for sale in a variety of different styles.
The Mill has onsite parking and is located 49 Conway Street, Buckland, MA. Admittance is free and the wearing of masks is strongly encouraged and the observation of social distancing protocols is required of all attendees