3rd Annual Handmade Holiday Festival
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Alchemy Initiative will put on its third annual Handmade Holiday Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5.Festivities will kick off with a preview brunch and silent auction on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. Shoppers will be given the opportunity to shop before the sale opens to the general public and have the exclusive opportunity to bid on silent auction items donated by each of the artisans.
“With over 50 participating vendors, this two-hour brunch/silent auction is not to be missed! The items donated are absolutely beautiful and will only be available from 9 to 11 a.m. We, at Alchemy Initiative, are particularly excited for this brunch as it will benefit and celebrate our upcoming nonprofit status. We plan to be a 501(C)3 nonprofit within a year, a decision our community really helped us make, ” said Jess Conzo, Alchemy Initiative co-founder.
Tickets for the preview brunch are $25 and can be purchased in advance at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge. Tickets are in limited supply; early purchase is recommended.
Following the brunch, The Handmade Holiday Festival will officially open its doors with a $4 admission price (kids admitted for free). In addition to locally made handmade artisan wares, shoppers will also be able to purchase Christmas trees, decorative wreaths, roping, gourmet food items and more. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Many vendors exhibiting last year will again be present at this invitational show as well as a new group of debuting artisans. While their wares vary in medium and price, all work is of the highest quality and is handmade. Participating artisans include: Liz Olney, recycle moe, John Manikowski, Noelle Horsfield, Lisa Anderson Jewelry, Crispina ffrench, Diane Firtell, TwiceMade, Roots and Rust, Atomsatwork Accessories, Hooping Harmony, Lorna’s Naturals, PittsfieldContemporarydotcom and many more.
“The Handmade Holiday Festival is essential holiday shopping for everyone looking for locavore, handcrafted one-of-a-kind gifts from the best regional artisans and artists. We're pleased to help sponsor an event that highlights the beautiful work of local and regional creative entrepreneurs,” said Megan Whilden, director of Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development.
A 50-day countdown to the festival will begin this Saturday, Oct. 16. Each day an artisan, musician and/or sponsor will be featured. Visit Alchemy's blog each day to learn more:www.alchemyinitiative.org/blog
This event is made possible by the hard work of many volunteers and the generous sponsorship of local organizations and businesses, including: Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development, Wright & Wilk Studio, Berkshire Shenanigans, Mary’s Carrot Cake, Brulees Restaurant & Catering, Farm Country Handmade Food & Soup, and others.
Alchemy Initiative is a grassroots project promoting and educating on food and farming, health and healing, art and music, and sustainability and community as catalysts for social change.
For more information about the Handmade Holiday Festival, visit www.alchemyinitiative.org or call 413-236-9600.
