Philadelphia Museum Of Art Craft Show Returns With New Vendors And Attractions
By Justin Udo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Museum of Art craft show is back for its 39th year.
Ellen Caplan with the Philadelphia Museum of Art craft show says they have 48 new artists at the show which runs through Sunday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
"There's over 13 fine craft fields represented here, everything from furniture and precious jewelry to metal furniture whatever you are looking for we have here."
More than 1,000 artists applied to be in this year's craft show, but only 195 were selected.
"I was really taken aback when I received an acceptance for the oldest African-American art form in the United States," says Lillian Huger from Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
Huger is one of those vendors who has the opportunity to display and sell her work.
She uses palmetto, sweet grass and bulrush that she harvests' to coil baskets, trays and other items.
"It is something that is passed down from generation to generation. My grandmother taught me the basic technique."
One of the items Huger has for sale is a tray she made in honor of the 9 people who were killed in a South Carolina church earlier this year.
A new feature at the show is an artist demonstration area where attendees can meet different artists and hear how they make their product
Tamara Jones came from Chicago to show and sell the women's coats, vests, and tops she creates.
She says her clothing line has some pretty unique features that sets it apart from what most people are used to seeing
"All of my coats are easy to get in and out of meaning they have magnetic snaps all body types can wear it."
Event organizers say over the last 39 years the craft show has raised 11 million dollars for the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
