Roycroft Summer Arts & Crafts Festival Opens Saturday

Some traditions are just too important to let go.

More than a hundred years ago, Elbert Hubbard began holding the annual Roycroft Festival on the East Aurora, New York, campus he had built, throwing open the doors to the Copper Shop, the Furniture Shop, the Print Shop and the Roycroft Inn, inviting area residents to celebrate the Arts & Crafts movement with the Roycroft craftsmen and craftswomen.

With the advent of the Roycroft Renaissance 36 years ago, Hubbard's tradition was revived and will continue this coming weekend in East Aurora. Among the events taking place on or near the campus between 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday are letter press, jewelry and screen printing demonstrations in the restored Copper Shop (pictured), an antiques show and sale, tours of the campus and Power House construction project, music and food vendors, as well as the Aurora Art Society art show.

The Roycrofters At Large Association's annual show will be held at the nearby Parkdale Elementary School. The show will play host to over 80 artisans this year, featuring skilled craftsmanship in clay, wood, basketry, stained glass, printmaking, jewelry, metal and much more. At least 42 of the exhibitors will be Roycroft Renaissance Artisans who have earned the right through a juried process to place the Double-R mark on their work. The Double-R signifies the degree of excellence in the artisans work.

Included in this year's list of Roycroft Renaissance Artisans are:

Thomas Pafk (woodworker), Kristine Baker (fabric/fiber), Natalie Richards (fabric/fiber), Laura Wilder (graphic arts), Alburn Sleeper (jewelry), Pat Halpen (leather), Frank Glapa, (metal) and Ron VanOstrand (metal). The show will run from 10:00am-5:00pm both Saturday and Sunday.

The Roycrofters At Large Association (RALA) has carried on the ideals of the Arts & Crafts era by promoting the spirit of Elbert Hubbard and his early Roycrofters. RALA offers an opportunity for people to be part of the living legacy by supporting their mission of keeping the Arts & Crafts movement alive through their various programs. One of the programs that provides support of these ideals is their membership program. Each year one of the Roycroft Renaissance Artisans creates a special item or premium for the membership at the patron level.

This year’s membership premium is an original pin and pendant designed by Roycroft Renaissance Master Artisan Frank M. Glapa. Cast in solid copper of 100 originals, it features the RALA mark with the artist's mark on the back. Patron members will select a pin or pendant. Join today and start your very own Roycroft Collection. RALA will have a booth at the Roycroft Summer Festival where you will find more information about membership and other RALA programs, as well as tickets for the "Roycroft Goodie Box," valued at over $6000!

For more information, contact the Roycrofters At Large Association at (716) 655-7252, email: roycroftmail@verizon.net or visit their website at www.ralaweb.com

- Bruce Johnson