THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 17, 1995 TAG: 9511170634
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
Christmas is on its way.
When the annual Indian River Christmas Craft Show comes to Chesapeake, Christmas can't be far behind.
This longtime Chesapeake holiday tradition takes place Saturday and Sunday at Indian River High School.
``There's a lot of variety in this show,'' said Amy C. Simpson, Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Department recreation specialist and show organizer.
``Since it's been going on for so long our show is now well known all over the Tidewater area and throughout the state. That's because we get quality people each year. And this is the weekend before Thanksgiving and people know we always offer unique gift ideas and things you can't find in malls.''
Simpson said many people go to Saturday's show and then come back the next day to make their holiday purchases.
The show will feature 86 artisans - 39 from Chesapeake, six from North Carolina, one from Maryland and the rest from Hampton Roads and other places in Virginia.
``Because Indian River High School had a new addition built on last year, we had room to add 10 extra artists over last year,'' Simpson said.
These creative people will be displaying a host of different craft disciplines, including wood working, floral and wreath design, wood carving, ceramics, clay and stone wear, porcelain dolls, needlework, fabrics, jewelry, Southwestern art, paper art, tole painting, stained glass and unusual Christmas ornaments and decorations.
The show features top area artisans and crafters because of its extensive selection process. Only those with hand-crafted works of original design are even considered.
``We had 139 people apply for the show,'' Simpson said. ``Out of those, our selection committee chose 86.''
After carefully examining each artist's works, the committee of arts and crafts experts and professionals makes its choices and sends out the invitations.
``Through this process we are able to keep the quality of the show very high,'' Simpson said. ``Then if someone does drop out of the show, which occasionally happens, we then contact one of the other artists we didn't choose, in that same medium, and invite him or her to participate.''
The original works are then judged on Saturday by a committee of professional crafters and artists. At 2 p.m. on Sunday they award four Awards of Excellence.
``These judges are very thorough, they examine each piece, looking for originality, technique, creativity and show appeal,'' Simpson said. ``It's a difficult task. It usually takes them about three hours to make their choices.''
And many times the choices of professionals and experts isn't the same as those of the buying public. To get a popular opinion as well, the show also holds a People's Choice Award on ballots handed out at the event's information booth.
Those ballots also help planners for future shows.
``We get a lot of comments on the ballots for the People's Choice award,'' she said. ``That way we can gauge what people want to see - what we do right and what we do wrong. We welcome these comments. That way we can maintain the show's quality and popularity.''
And as a way to please everybody and another way to herald the coming of Christmas, the show will feature a visit from Santa Claus on both days. Children will be able to sit in Santa's lap to give their wish lists. Parents are urged to bring their cameras for snaps of their children talking to St. Nick.
In addition, the Chesapeake Volunteers in Youth Services will staff a special children's holiday coloring area. The group will also be selling copies of its official Chesapeake cook book.
Hungry browsers and shoppers will be able to eat complete lunches or munch on snacks at the school cafeteria.
``This again will be a show full of good, quality items and lots of unique gifts and decorations,'' Simpson said. ``Christmas now begins in Chesapeake.'' MEMO: AT A GLANCE
What: The annual Indian River Christmas Craft Show.
Who: Sponsored by the Chesapeake Department of Parks and Recreation.
When: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; and from noon to 5 p.m.,
Sunday. Santa will greet the children from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and
from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Food will be sold in the school cafeteria.
Where: Indian River High School, 1969 Braves Trail.
Cost: Free. Call 436-8484 for more information. by CNB