Artisans @ The State Fair

Since 1996, Virginia Artisans have exhibited work and offered craft demonstrations at the State Fair of Virginia in Richmond. During the eleven days of the Fair, thousands of fairgoers are offered a show of fine craft made in Virginia and live craft demonstrations by Virginia artisans.

Included as part of the exhibit since 1999 is the work of 30 to 40 juried artisans in the Showcase of Virginia Artisans sales gallery. There is also an exhibition of work by professional-level juried members and a slide show/video kiosk to supplement the live demonstrations. The combined space for exhibition, demonstration, and sales gallery has grown to over 1200 square feet and gallery sales have increased 30% in 2003 to over $6,500.

This event is a special opportunity for participating artisan members. On weekdays, busloads of school children tour the Fair. The Fair distributes a booklet to schools throughout the region, listing ACV craft demonstrations and other educational Fair events. Interaction with artisan demonstrators allows these young visitors to discover the excitement of craft-making and to consider alternative career possibilities.

For ACV , the State Fair effort serves our educational commitment to the public. We also serve our shared commitment to handwork and to each other in this statewide organization. Several years of effort by many dedicated volunteer members have made Artisans @ The State Fair an event to be proud of.

» View additional images from the 2003 State Fair Exhibit.

» Go to the State Fair of Virginia web site

State Fair forms for ACV juried artisans

>>Submission instructions

>>Inventory sheet/release form

>>Directions to State Fair