By KAREN BLOOM
One of the best makes an appearance at Nassau County Museum of Art next weekend, showcasing the works of area craft artists.If "Craft As Art" seems a misnomer, then you need to visit this festival, produced by the American Concern for Art and Craftsmanship and see for yourself. It's rated the #1 show on Long Island, by the nation's premier craft rating publication, the Artfair Sourcebook, and features crafts from the top local artisans, as well as from around the country.More than 18,000 uniquely designed original items with a total estimated value of $9 million will be shown. One of the most spectacular is a hand-fabricated, one-of-a-kind sterling silver triangular container decorated with hand carved Lapis Lazuli, with a 14 karat gold bracelet embellished with diamonds, and a 14 karat gold and diamond stick pin enhancing the exterior, yet removable for use as body ornaments. Twenty thousand visitors are expected to visit the booths of 120 master craft-artists who will personally present their creations. The selection is vast: original fashions in dyed leather, silk, cashmere, and other natural fibers; blown and stained glass; home furnishings, from dinnerware to dinner tables; diamonds, rubies and sapphires set in gold and platinum, and other precious jewelry; handcrafted toys fashioned from exotic woods; musical instruments. Craft artists from every region of the US are represented, selected from 1,400 applicants by a jury of craft professionals. Be sure to check out the local participants. They are:
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Patricia Dash, of More Than A Card, Long Beach. She specializes in handmade cards and will conduct a demonstration during the festival.
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Joseph De Maio, of Joe De Maio Woodturnings, Oceanside.
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Joan Edelmann, of The Carogi Bag, Rockville Centre. She creates fiber bags.
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Linda Mendelson, of Galaxy Collection Ltd, Rockville Centre. Her specialty is porcelain jewelry.Selected artists will demonstrate their craft throughout the event. There will also be entertainment provided by Tim Janis, performing with a violin, flute and piano ensemble. While you're browsing, there'll be no need to go hungry. The festival offers plenty of food options, serving vegetarian, Middle Eastern, Oriental, and Italian specialties, fresh fruit, along with a wide selection of pastries and ice creams.So, make your way to the Nassau County Museum of Art for a unique experience and discover that craft-making is truly an art.
