Finding Other Crafters: Bucks Guild of Craftsmen

When I first started making mosaics, I wanted to find others who made things. I went to some art leagues and art associations, and didn’t quite fit in because I didn’t do watercolor. At one meeting, a very nice gentlemen introduced himself and asked what I painted. Backs of mirror frames? Not the right kind of painting.

Then about a year ago, I remembered the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. The state-wide organization has regional chapters. My county did not have a chapter but someone suggested the Bucks Chapter.

From the first meeting, I knew I had found my people. We start with a brief business meeting, then a break for snacks, and finally a presentation by a crafter on their art and process. There have been informative and fascinating presentations by an array of craftspeople such as Tony Williams‘ wood sculpture & functional art furniture, Joyce Inderbitzin with her stoneware & raku pottery, and the handmade dolls of Nancy Gibbs.

My first big show was at Tyler State Park, Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Fall Show 2007, with Pegge Shannon stained glass jewelry, Cynthia Prediger fine metalwork jewelery, Don McGrath pottery, Donna Franchi clay tiles, and the gorgeous weavings of Amy Turner.

The Bucks County Guild of Craftsmen meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30, in the Boy Scout Building, 1 Scout Way, Doylestown, PA(across from the Mercer Museum). There’s parking out front. Come in the main entrance and turn right, through the double doors into the Meeting Room. Hope to see you there!