The 33rd annual Allegany Artisans Tour is upon us. The preview begins tonight from 5-8pm. Regular hours will be this Saturday and Sunday (16th & 17th) from 10am to 5pm. You can get a map from any Allegany Artisan or find it online here. Not all artisans are participating in the preview hours so do check before going visiting this evening.
If you've never been on the Allegany Artisan Tour, this year is a a great time to start. The weather for this weekend is looking like a drizzle so it's not like you can do yard work anyway. Take a nice fall drive and do some shopping with local artisans and small businesses. There will be 35 artisans across the county participating in a variety of media from timber building to pottery and so much in between.
One past attendee says "I'm only in it for the mugs honestly." And that's fine. No judgement here. There are several Allegany Artisans who will sell you hand crafted mugs. Are you into looking at Alpacas? Because there are alpacas. You'll also get the amazing joy of seeing artisans in their natural habitat which is an experience in and of itself.
There are three artisans to visit in Andover. Since there are only three you should really stop in to see them all. Artisans will be giving demonstrations and opening their studios for rare behind the scenes tours for the public as well as offering their hand crafted items for sale.
Our first Andover artisan (alphabetically) is Mark Corwin. Mark is showing his pottery, prints, and sculptures out on Route 417 between Andover and Elm Valley. If you're looking for a little color and whimsey to add to your ceramics collection, Mark has just what you need. The variety and artistry is clearly worth the short drive into the countryside.
Andover based Allegany Artisan Karen Tufty is showing her ceramics and studio on Main Street. She creates long lasting red-clay ceramics from local shale that they dig themselves. Her highly prized bakeware is always a hit under the Christmas tree or really anywhere. Honestly, just get some for yourself if you don't want to risk waiting to see if your loved ones got the hint this year.
Lastly, Artisan Stephen Walker is opening his workshop for tours in addition to having his Walker Metalsmiths showroom open. Steve and his team of craftsmen will be demonstrating jewelry making techniques as well as offering a jewelry inspection and cleaning service for donations to Allegany County Cancer Services. Steve will have all of his usual Celtic jewelry creations on display in addition to some new custom pieces.
If you decide to leave Andover to see the rest of the tour you can find details on all the other Allegany Artisans and their crafts at AlleganyArtisans.com or on their Facebook page.
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