The award-winning Festival at the Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, New Jersey, will showcase fine contemporary crafts and affordable art that captures the atmosphere of fall and the upcoming holiday season. The jury-selected artists will personally show and sell their latest work at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in ceramics and pottery, jewelry, glass, leather, wood, metal, fashion, photography, fiber and fine art.

“The craftspeople at Sugarloaf Festivals are highlighting the latest seasonal trends in their creations,” said Deann Verdier, president of Sugarloaf Craft Festivals. “New and returning visitors will love the colorful collection of handmade treasures that they can enjoy in their homes, on their bodies and as gifts for family and friends.”

Visitors to the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Somerset will see how artists interpret these fall trends in their unique pieces, including:

Fashion: As cooler weather approaches, textile artists are using thick wools and cozy knits to craft sweaters, shawls and shrugs in this fall’s hottest hues: cobalt blue, honey gold and emerald green.   

Fine Art: Many artists are incorporating digital tools and techniques in their work to capture vivid colors in their original painting, printmaking and photography.

Jewelry: Jewelers are designing statement necklaces, bracelets and earrings from colorful clay beads, sparkling gemstones and hammered metals that will make classic wardrobe staples pop.

Glass and Pottery: As entertaining moves indoors, artists working in glass and pottery are crafting platters, pitchers and serving pieces perfect for family meals and holiday gatherings.

Wood: Visitors can warm up their homes—and tables—this season with solid wood furniture, bowls and serving pieces hand-carved by master woodworkers using locally-sourced hardwoods and natural finishes. 

Metal: Metal artists are forging clean-lined lamps, sculptures and accessories from iron, copper and steel in a variety of finishes for every room in the house.

In addition to browsing the latest handmade crafts, Festival visitors will enjoy family entertainment, ongoing artist demonstrations and seasonal foods to sample and purchase. Children can participate in interactive puppet shows with Middle Earth Studios, and visitors can watch master craftspeople demonstrate their talent and skill in live demonstrations, including copper spinning, iron forging, wheel-thrown pottery and other mediums. Specialty food purveyors will offer freshly made gourmet treats—including delicious breads, hearty soups, jams and dips, candies and chocolates, and cider and cocoa.

The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival will be held Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, October 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ 08873.

Adult admission is $8 when purchased online, $10 at the door, and free for children under 12.  Admission is good for all three days of the Festival. Free parking is available on site.

For more information, including driving directions and admission discounts, go to www.sugarloafcrafts.com or call (800) 210-9900.

Preview the work of more than 275 artists participating in the Festival and explore the full range of entertainment online at www.sugarloafcrafts.com, or visit the show’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sugarloafcrafts.

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