Artisans fair seeks exhibitors for May 27 event

South Coastal Delaware AARP Chapter 5226 is seeking exhibitors for its artisans fair set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 27, at Lord Baltimore Elementary School in Ocean View.

The invitation-only arts and crafts show is resuming after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and public health concerns. An associated farmers market will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Begun in 2008, the artisans fair attracts exceptional artisans from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and more than 1,000 attendees. Applications will be considered for inside booths, outside artisan booths and the farmers market.

All work for the fair must be created by the exhibiting artisan. To be considered, submit name, address, telephone numbers and email address, a brief description of the work to be offered and at least three digital photos representative of the art to AARP.artisansfairlb20s@gmail.com.

Categories of media include fine art, photography, jewelry, glass, metalwork, fiber work, woodworking and mixed media.

Applicants will be considered by a review committee and notified of whether they have been accepted within 30 days of their submissions.

For participation in the farmers market, submit name, address, telephone numbers and email address, a brief description of products or items to be offered and a website address for the business, if applicable, to AARP.Artisans.Fair@gmail.com. Items eligible for the farmers market are fresh produce, other food products, pet-related items, and plants and garden accessories.

The cost of an indoor booth is $105; cost of an outdoor booth or a farmers market slot is $85 per space.

For more information about the artisans fair, contact Donna Spickler at 302-927-0050. Questions about the farmers market may be directed to Kathy Johnson at 302-829-8956.

Proceeds from the artisans fair and farmers market go toward the local AARP chapter’s scholarship fund, which each year awards two college scholarships to Indian River High School seniors and three scholarships to adult students at Delaware Technical Community College.

South Coastal DE AARP is a membership organization for active adults ages 50 and above, representing AARP at the local level. Serving southeastern Sussex County, the chapter offers monthly programs September through June on topics relevant to seniors. South Coastal is active in community outreach, legislative advocacy and environmental concerns. It sponsors overnight travel and day trips, and offers social activities as well as the artisans fair. For more information, contact Dottie Rieck at 302-539-2654.