Artigianati.com

Press Release

(Haddonfield, NJ) — Whether it’s the economy or raised environmental awareness, recycling and repurposing is part of the passion and a big selling point for many local crafters. At the 17th Annual Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival, Sat., July 11, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sun., July 12 noon - 5p.m.,
more artists than ever are displaying unique ways in which they are creating sustainable, functional art.

Featured artists focused on creating sustainable work include:

• Ann-Made’s “Bracelets with a Conscience” are made from recycled soda can pull tabs. Originally conceived as a project for Ann Skydell Harmon’s alternative school art students, the recycled tabs are purchased from a non-profit group in New Jersey dedicated to teaching students the importance of recycling. The bracelets are hand-made in the homes of people in need of the additional income. 

• Julie Zeelander designs her one-of-a-kind creations from recycled and restaurant supply cookware. Always a flea market enthusiast, Zeelander finds her creative impulses from other’s trash, turning them into clocks and lamps. Without the use of welding, soldering, plating, for more than 15 years Zeelander has found a way to create innovative and unique home accessories simply with cold connections.

• Quintessential Quilts specializes in making quilts from used clothing. Custom quilts celebrate milestones and memories, such as a quilt made from a child’s clothing or husband's ties. 

• Beth Levin’s “Jewel Re-caps” by From Junk to Funk are made from recycled bottle caps and other found objects including Scrabble tiles, glass beads, and typewriter keys. 

• Handcrafted by Abraham Warren creates refined rustic tables, benches, and chairs using salvaged wood from sawmill cast-offs or trees removed from homeowner's properties and pruning from tree surgeons. Additionally, all of the waste wood produced is used for heat in his home and shop, as well as animal bedding. Abe combines classic construction techniques with folk craftsmanship to create highly polished furniture, while maintaining some of the live edges of the raw material.

• Bezalel Jewels hand-sculpted art jewelry by Jennifer Roche all utilize recycled sterling silver, made from refined scrap rather than newly mining the rapidly depleting silver supply. She uses gold filled wire and sheet, various gemstones, semi-precious stones, and found objects to complete her one-of-a-kind pieces. 

• Grace Mahanes’ Antique Button Jewelry is assembled from original 19th century antique buttons, vintage watch parts, antique coins, and vintage typewriter keys. 


The selection criterion for the festival was more difficult this year with applications up 25% from last year. Artisans will exhibit a wide range of arts and crafts including ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, fiber, metal, paper, drawings, paintings, photography and wearable art. 
The redesign of Kings Court to include new walkways, lighting, plantings, and benches offers the opportunity for more exhibitors than ever —265 of the best chosen artists and craft persons. During the borough’s premier event, Kings Highway will be closed to vehicular traffic. What is a usually a busy main artery through the center of town is transformed into a festive corridor, alive with a panorama of artist's tents and various crafts on exhibit to Haddonfield residents and visitors. Area restaurants will set up outdoor cafés, and musicians and face painters will entertain the attendees.
This FREE event, which usually draws more than 100,000 attendees, is easily accessible from area bridges or by taking the PATCO Speedline to the heart of the shopping district. Parking is also free during the two-day Festival. 
Haddonfield, chosen as Philadelphia Magazine’s 2004 Best Revived Downtown Shopping District and a certified historical district, is a charming, tree-lined business district in the heart of South Jersey’s densely populated affluent area. Haddonfield is five minutes from Cherry Hill, 20 minutes from Downtown Philadelphia, and within one hour of the Jersey shore resorts, Princeton and Delaware. The business district hosts many unusual shops, galleries, and restaurants. 
This year’s festival is thanks in part to presenting sponsor Susquehanna Bank. This spring, Susquehanna relocated its Haddonfield Office to 110 Kings Highway East, in the heart of historic downtown Haddonfield.
Susquehanna operates more than 235 branches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. It is part of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc., a $14 billion financial services holding company. Through Susquehanna Wealth Management, the company also offers investment, brokerage, insurance, retirement planning and private banking services. For more information, visit susquehanna.net.
The mission of the Partnership for Haddonfield is to provide leadership that produces the best downtown in the region by creating and promoting a superior business mix, and enhancing the image of Haddonfield in the marketplace. For more information, visit www.ShopHaddonfieldNJ.com
For more information on Haddonfield, please visit www.haddonfieldnj.org. 
Images of select artists work available by request