Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Fair shines bright

Despite the early rain, the Historic Lewes campus was bustling June 7-8, for the 18th annual Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Fair.

The show featured 70 regional sea glass and coastal-themed artists exhibiting jewelry, home decor, wood, metal sculpture, ceramics, photography and paintings. There were also hourly glassblowing demonstrations, sea glass shard identification experts from the Delmarva Antique Bottle Club and historical re-enactors.

“We make sure each vendor is selling true sea glass, or something pertaining to sea glass,” said Susan Bowser, a volunteer with Historic Lewes.

Each vendor had cards instructing people on ways to identify genuine versus artificial sea glass, such as a frosted patina with small “C” shaped patterns, surface cracking, rounded edges and small crevices where grains of sand may be found.

“This is a major fundraiser for [Historic Lewes],” Bowser said. “As a nonprofit, we use the funds generated to resupply the stores and the buildings that don’t receive operating cash. With these funds, we essentially keep the lights on.”