Philadelphia Craft Show - 6abc Loves the Arts

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Monday, November 3, 2014
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This week, artists from all over the country will make their way to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the 38th annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show.

This week, artists from all over the country will make their way to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the 38th annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show.

The show is curated and Show Chair Carole Blank-Barsh says getting in isn't easy with well over 1,000 craft artists competing for just 195 spots.

"It's very, very selective. It's tough to get into this show, so that's why it is truly the very best in the country.

A bevy of jewelers, interior designers and the like are tasked with carefully selecting who makes the cut.

"You'll see jewelry, you'll see clothing, you'll see glass, you'll see ceramics, you'll see furniture," says Blank-Barsh, "The booths actually sparkle when the show opens with their objects."

Local artist and jeweler Steven Ford and his partner have participated in the show for 16 years. He says they make and save some of their most special pieces for this showcase.

"The real collectors do come for that," says Ford who adds that he loves it "because it's a hometown show, because we've done it many years, people know our work."

Organizers of the Philadelphia Craft Show take care to carry items at various price points so the event caters to all.

"When you go to a museum, it's wonderful, you look and you're always amazed, but here you get to buy them, you get to walk out with something," says Blank-Barsh, "it really runs the gamut and to me that's really fun."

The Philadelphia Craft Show runs November 5-9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

For tickets go to PMACraftShow.org.