THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 22, 1995 TAG: 9510200196
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 23 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
Don't be daunted by the construction at Western Branch High School, site of this weekend's annual Western Branch Fall Festival of Crafts. The show will go on, said Amy Simpson, recreation specialist with the Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Department.
``People can enter the show through the school's two main side entrances,'' Simpson said. ``Although the front parking lot is not in use because of the construction, there's plenty of side parking for everybody.''
This year's craft festival features more than 70 crafters and artisans - 34 from Chesapeake, two from North Carolina, one from Maryland and the rest from other parts of Virginia.
``We had a total of 89 applications,'' Simpson said. ``In the past, we used to get just enough applications to barely fill the assigned spaces. But this year we had to add space.''
Simpson said all artisans had to be judged by a special show selection committee made up of area artists and crafters. The committee carefully examined applicants' slides showing examples of their work.
Selection to the show, Simpson said, was based on quality, creativity, originality, technique and show appeal.
``Everything had to be handmade,'' she explained. ``Not kits or pre-made stuff.''
After careful screening, the committee selected 73 artisans.
This year's show features woodworking, furniture, ceramics, porcelain, floral designs and wreaths, needlepoint, decorated fabrics, stained glass and Christmas ornaments.
During the show, a group of judges will select four awards of excellence.
The public can choose its favorite, too.
``After people have seen all of the crafts, they should go over to the information booth and receive their ballot to vote for a People's Choice award,'' Simpson said. ``All winners will receive a ribbon and a check.''
While mom and dad browse through the booths, they can park their kids at the special children's coloring area to be manned by Chesapeake Volunteers In Youth Services personnel. Mr. Pig's restaurant will offer food for sale. by CNB