Kings Highway was filled with art lovers on July 12–13 for the Crafts and Fine Art Festival. People came from near and far to enjoy the festivities.
“There were more than 270 artists at the event,” Program Coordinator Marcy Boroff said. “The vendors came from all over the region and some even came from different parts of the country, which just goes to show how popular this event is.”
The Crafts and Fine Arts Festival was voted one of the 200 Best Shows by “Sunrise Artist.” The quality of the vendors and the draw of Haddonfield are two of the biggest reasons for the success of the show, according to some attendees.
“I wouldn’t consider myself much of an art enthusiast,” Janet Muth, a resident of Cherry Hill, said. “But, I come out to this event every year because I just love all the people. And Haddonfield is such a great place for an event like this, too. The streets are always crowded, and there are lots of nice people around, so it’s something I always try to come to.”
The event is designed to bring together art lovers and connect them with unique artists, according to Boroff; although, she does see this kind of program really attracts anyone looking to get out of the house.
“Of course we try to bring out the best artists we can find,” Boroff said. “We want the people who love art to see great art. We also know that a lot of the people who come out are just casual fans of art, though. So, we make sure that there is something for everyone.”
The Crafts and Fine Arts Festival did provide a mixture of vendors, some of which were selling items that were extremely valuable and complex. Those were the vendors Theodore MacConchie, a resident of Elizabeth, came out to see.
“I’m an art collector,” he said. “I always try to make it down to any art shows I know will have some great pieces, and this is definitely one that I never want to miss. Every year they have something different for me, and I always come away with something.”
The festival is as much about the vendors as it is the buyers though, according to Boroff.
“The vendors are the ones who make this all happen,” she said. “They love coming out and showing off their work and connecting with the people.”
Emily Keifer has been a vendor at the festival for a number of years and sees the improvements every year.
“The festival just keeps getting better,” she said. “Every year, more and more people come out, and there are different vendors every year, so I understand why people keep coming. If I wasn’t here as a vendor, there is no doubt I would be here to shop around.”
