A regular attendee I found this show fresher than it has been in a long time. Form, function and ingenuity partnered with a prevailing environmental consciousness. Artists are known to embrace causes and it was truly evident here, the common thread was green. The GreenCraft label on several exhibitors spaces indicates the use of eco-friendly materials and/or techniques.

Craft shows can be as overwhelming to some as they are captivating to others. Therefore should this be your first, to avoid sensory overload, I suggest you organize by starting at one end and walking each isle in order, thus minimizing your chance of missing any exhibitors while providing yourself the full experience of the show. Collecting cards along the way will serve as reminders of where to return to make purchases, after having had the pleasure of seeing and comparing everything.

Whether you are buying or merely stimulating your senses there are outstanding artists in each category that should not be missed. Wear comfort shoes and enjoy!

It is always humbling to be in the company of so many talented people. Below I mention a handful of the exhibitors that I worked with and list their websites. Should you not attend the show this will give you an opportunity to review some of the work.

Andrea Williams, Bound Earth eco-conscious jewelry design - her work has an earthy sensuality, a natural simplicity and elegance… http://www.boundearth.com

Mary Darwall, mais oui designs - her exceptional bead-work creations are explosions of color combos,textures and shapes from nature…http://www.marydarwall.com

Elaine Unzicker, Unzicker design- wearable mesh accessories that are unique, creative and fun…http://www.unzickerdesign.com

Reintsema, Lynn Joris Reintsema and K Meta Reintsema - garments in sumptuous fabrics with elegant sculptural forms, simply elegant…

Jean Jones Couture - Jean Jones collection is reminiscent of the 40’s and 50’s, classical shapes and beautiful detail…

Anna Shapiro, AnnaEsthetic the art of handcrafted textiles - she is as refreshing as her line of hand loomed scarves and shawls which she fabricates from environmentally friendly bamboo that offers comfort year round. Fluid shapes and appealing color palettes…http://www.annaesthetic.com

Devin Burgess of DB Glassworks - a showstopper, Traces the stunning trio of sculptures by Devin are blown glass with wheel cut surfaces.  Another beauty is Apex, this appealing organic shape contrasts the sharply defined lines of Traces…http://www.dbglassworks.com

Gary S. Magakis Bronze and patined steel furniture, sculpture and lighting - his lamps and furniture are functional sculpture…http:www.garymagakis.com

Handler Studio- through whimsical colors and shapes this furniture combines fun with function …http://www.handlerstudio.com

Pat Condron Painting and Collage - her handmade cards are wonderful compositions, each unique and more  interesting than the other…

If you can make the trip to Baltimore it is a show worth seeing!