Lewes Historical Society to host Fall Craft Fair Oct. 5
The Lewes Historical Society will celebrate the works of local fabric artist Pat Staby at its Fall Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Historic Complex at Second & Shipcarpenter streets in downtown Lewes. Admission will be $5 per person, and children under 12 enter free. Proceeds from this event will benefit educational and preservation programs at the Lewes Historical Society.
The Lewes Historical Society’s craft fairs are well known for the exceptional quality of the craftspeople including new and returning artists from across Delmarva. This year, there will be more than 60 talented artisans exhibiting a variety of media ranging from metalwork to woodworking. In particular, this fair will celebrate the works of local fabric artist Pat Staby, a previous board member of the Lewes Historical Society and longtime member of the society craft fair committee.
Using colorful fabrics as her medium, Pat Staby Rogers has developed a style of artwork that is vibrant and unique, and she deftly combines textures and hues.
A Delaware resident since 1965, Staby started a small cottage industry that employed up to a dozen women producing high-end, appliquéd waterfowl pillows and quilts that were sold in catalogs and stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. Moving from Milford to Lewes in 1989, Staby scaled back and began devoting her time to one-of-a-kind studio designs of the type seen today. Over the years, Staby's pillows and wall hangings have featured such diverse themes as nighttime cityscapes, snow-clad villages, political satire, nature's glories and pets shopping or having cocktails. In addition, she has repurposed old quilts into wearable vests and jackets. Her work is in private collections around the world.
When not creating her own art, Staby pursues her other artistic interests in literature and film. An avid supporter of her local community, she is a member of the Artists' Exchange, Delaware By Hand and the Rehoboth Art League. She has also served on the Sussex County Arts Council and the board of the Lewes Historical Society as well as the society's endowment and craft show committees. Her other passions include travel, cooking and spending quality time with her family and friends.
With its wealth of historical sites, museums, unique shops, restaurants and pristine beaches, Lewes is an exciting destination for craft buyers and visitors alike. The Historic Complex consists of numerous historic buildings that are open to the public. Ample parking is available for visitors and exhibitors.
Children will have the chance to create mixed-media and fabric collages in the style of Staby’s work. Children will learn about the different techniques involved in the creation of Staby’s pillows and will be able to bring home their own collage designs. There will also be a chance for visitors to help create a large-scale piece that will be given to the artist at the end of the event.
The Fall Craft Fair will offer the work of artisans from Delaware, the Eastern Shore and beyond; fun activities for kids; live music by Old & New Bluegrass, and lunch by Casa Amici. For more information, call 302-645-7670 or visit www.HistoricLewes.org.
