Step back in time at Arthurdale Heritage’s New Deal Festival. This year, the festival is Remembering 1941 and the unique history of Arthurdale at the cusp of America’s involvement in World War II. The festival begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 9th and gives visitors the opportunity to learn the art of stained glass making, blacksmithing, pottery making, seat weaving, and much more.
Learn the craft of seat weaving from master weavers Debbie and Amy Price. They will be conducting demonstrations on caning, splint weaving, rush, and more. The festival also features stained glass making from local artists Molly and Jane Ann Superfesky and Jack DeBerry. Guests also have the chance to see master potter Jamie Davis Bryan demonstrate pottery techniques.
The Appalachian Blacksmith Association is back again the New Deal Festival celebrating their annual “Hammer-In” at the Arthurdale Forge. The group features blacksmith craftsmen from across West Virginia. The Appalachian Blacksmith Association is a regional affiliate of the Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America.
The New Deal Festival craft market features a variety of vendors selling everything from wooden bowels, artwork, knitted items, and more. Noted local artist Melva Gillispie will be on hand with her Wildlife Pen and Ink Prints. Woodworker Clarence Watkins is selling wooden bowls, wall hangings, and other items. Fiber artist Carolyn Colleen-DuBose focuses on knitted landscapes, felted satchels, needle felted sculpture, and much more. You can find a complete list of craft market venders at: http://www.newdealfestival.org
Gates open at 9 a.m. Purchase your festival tickets in advance and save. Online tickets are $5.00 per adult, $3.00 per child 6-11. At the gate, admission is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 6-12. Kids 5 and under are free. Parking is free. Advance tickets can be purchased online at: http://www.newdealfestival.org