Each year Houghton hosts the Christmas Craft and Art Fair, providing an opportunity for residents of Houghton and the surrounding area to present a wide array of products as part of the Christmas season. This year will be the fair’s twenty-ninth year, held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on December 9 and 10 in the Campus Center’s lower level and Van Dyk Lounge.
T
his year’s craft fair is organized by Jessica Jennings, Houghton’s constituent planning and event specialist, to include a variety of vendors. “Each year has increased and we are at the largest number of vendors we’ve ever had.” Jennings explained. “The majority of vendors are from Allegany County, with some being staff, students and alumni of Houghton.” She noted that there are also “a few from the broader Western New York area.” While many vendors will have handmade products, she says also that “some vendors will be selling licensed products,” such as Jamberry nails or Tupperware.
Jennings indicates that overall “there is a really great variety of products” for this year’s fair. In addition to the licensed products there will be an array of ceramics, jewelry, décor, candles, skin care products, alpaca wool, and knitted items, as well as chocolate, maple syrup, and dog treats. Rachel Wright ‘16 and her sister Anna Wright ‘18 are selling original poetry which has been typed out on a typewriter, “Some of these pieces will be typed on some of my watercolors and pencil drawings. We will also do commissioned pieces, either by typing or drawing whatever our buyer would like.”
Members of the Houghton community can expect to see several familiar faces as vendors. Staff members Marshall Green and Susan Peterson will be present, as well as several Houghton alum including Naomi Woolsey and Grace Mangum. Current students Sarah Showers, Hannah Banks, Laura Stockdale, Rachel Wright, and Jill Magara will also be selling.
Vendor Stockdale ‘16 said, “I’m going to be selling handmade hats, gloves, and headbands that I knitted myself. I’ve been selling these plus scarves on the Houghton campus since around freshman or sophomore year on the Houghton Sells Facebook page and it’s gone really well. I’m taking part in the crafts fair in the hopes that I can expand my reach and number of customers.”
Magara ‘17, also a student vendor, is also looking to gain exposure by selling handmade items, “I decided to sell some of my pottery when someone approached me earlier this semester about buying a few of my pieces. A couple friends and I are setting up a table and I think it’ll be fun and also a great way to begin getting my name out there as a local artisan.”
Wright ‘16 agreed saying, “We wanted to participate in the craft fair because it’s a chance to make a little extra money and to get our work out there. Plus, it’s really fun to make work and sell it.”
In the midst of the busy Christmas season, Jennings notes the advantages of the craft and art fair. “There is a great variety of quality items at a wide range of prices,” she said. “So it’s a good opportunity to check off your Christmas list without leaving campus.” The Houghton community has a chance to celebrate Christmas while supporting the creative endeavors of the surrounding area.