A Winston-Salem tradition since 1963, the Piedmont Craftsmen Fair returns this month, Nov. 23-24. Here’s what makes it a can’t-miss event.

The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to kick it off than with a unique shopping experience? The Piedmont Craftsmen Fair, a beloved Winston-Salem tradition for over six decades, returns to Benton Convention Center the weekend before Thanksgiving, Nov. 23-24. It features nearly 100 of the Southeast’s top artisans selling handcrafted items in various mediums, from stunning jewelry and home decor to functional art and keepsakes. With its rich legacy to its unmatched quality, the event is anything but your typical craft fair. In fact, it’s been named “one of the Top 10 craft fairs in the country” by American Style Magazine. Here are a few things that set it apart.

Quality Over Quantity
Piedmont Craftsmen Fair (PCF) is not just any craft fair; it’s an institution with 61 years of history behind it. Unlike many craft fairs, PCF isn’t operated by promoters who only want to fill the booths and bring people through the door. Instead, it’s a juried fair curated and run by one of the most esteemed craft guilds in the country, Piedmont Craftsmen, Inc.  This means that all of the artisans in attendance have been selected for the quality of their work, whether they specialize in clay, wood, glass, fibers, metal, mixed media, printmaking, or other mediums. As a result, you’ll find a mix of distinctive pieces that can’t be found anywhere else. 

Craftsmanship in Action
One of the best aspects of the fair is the chance to meet the artists behind the work. Every booth is manned by the artisans themselves, allowing you to connect with the people behind each piece. Chat with them about their inspirations, techniques, and details. Many of the crafters even offer live demonstrations, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process. Seeing their dedication and craftsmanship leaves a lasting impression, and it might even inspire your own artistic pursuits.

Creative Gifts With a Story
The timing of the fair, just before Thanksgiving, makes it the perfect place to kick off your holiday shopping. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect present for the hard-to-shop-for friend or simply looking to add to your own collection, the fair is a treasure trove of possibilities. You’ll find handcrafted treasures in every medium imaginable – handcrafted furniture, sparkling accessories, festive ornaments, handwoven clothing, fun novelty items, and much more.

Evolving, Enduring
While tradition is honored, the present is always in focus at the Piedmont Craftsmen Fair. Organizers subtly evolve the event a bit each year to meet the needs of today’s shoppers. For example, in recent years, PCF unveiled an online interactive map to help fairgoers navigate the show. They’ve also added new complementary components, such as an open panel for emerging craft artists. Having said that, the fair’s key ingredients have remained unchanged. At its core, Piedmont Craftsmen brings together dozens of top artisans and thousands of curious shoppers for a one-of-a-kind spectacle. 

Bailey Wharton, a local furnituremaker and longtime PCF artist, summed up the fair’s enduring appeal. “There’s just a human experience you get at Piedmont Craftsmen that’s hard to replicate,” Wharton told us. “You can pick something up, touch it, feel it, try it on, and even chat with the person who made it. You aren’t just buying a gift; you’re getting a story. You won’t find that on Amazon or at a big-box store.”

You aren’t just buying a gift; you’re getting a story.

WANT TO GO? Piedmont Craftsmen Fair

• When: Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Nov. 24, noon-5 p.m. 
• Where: Benton Convention Center, 101 W. Fifth Street (Paid event parking is at 527 North Cherry Street)
• Cost: $7 adults, $6 seniors and students, free for children under 12. (Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or at the door.)
• Accommodations: Stay in one of Winston-Salem’s unique downtown hotels and enjoy more of what our city has to offer. Check out this map of nearby hotel options.
• More info: Get updated details and see a list of participating artists on the Piedmont Craftsmen Fair website.

Post expires on Monday November 25th, 2024