It's hard to believe we are back into another show season already, but after a great, creative, productive winter, we are ready. We decided to cut back on the number of shows this year to put more energy into our shop and website, but we will still be participating in the BIG THREE summer/fall shows- the MDI Show in August, and the Laudholm Show and the Common Ground Fair, which are both in September. And, of course, we will be at the Maine State Museum Show in November as that is usually the best chance our customers have to do some Christmas shopping before we head back to New Zealand.

Though our patrons may feel we are limiting the opportunities to see the work by decreasing the number of shows,we are finding we need to spend a larger proportion of our time carving in order to meet your needs. And remember that our shop is open from June 17th through Labor Day, Tue. through Sat. 10-4. We feel it is often easier to give customers the one to one attention in the shop, as opposed to the intensity of the shows.

We also do a very small show in our home town (Mt. Vernon)which is part of a community fund raiser for our local Community Center. This year it will be on July 5th but we will also keep the shop open.

Mt. Vernon now has a lovely cafe right in the center of town located in what use to be the old post office. It is a breakfast and lunch cafe with a yummy menu so put it on your agenda if you're in the area and then, of course, stop by the studio/showroom. In the fal after the shop closes, we continue to meet with patrons by appointment. you can all for an appointment.

And if you are in the village on the weekend during the summer, we have several other shops which are worth a visit- the Webber Gallery, the Serendipity Shop and the Corner Shop.

This little show is the kick-off of our show season. It is really just a small community fund raising event but it is the first opportunity to see our new designs for the season. And on the show day we usually also keep the shop open as we carry the work of many other area artists.

The show is open from 9 to 2. It is held on the lawns next to the Mt. Vernon Community Center right next to Lake Minnehonk so if you are in the area come join us and help support the continued growth of our lovely old Community Center project. If it rains, the show will be held inside the Community Center. Also, if you come to the show be sure to treat yourself to lunch at our lovely new Post Office Cafe which is just down the street from the show.

This is the most charming show we participate in. Located on a 1600 acre salt water farm in Wells, Maine, this event features 75 top quality artists and artisans. Annual jurying gives preference to people whose medium focuses on nature. We are now fortunate to have been designated 'tenured artists' for this show.

With live music, a light luncheon, a raffle of items donated by the participating craftspeople, and well maintained nature trails that lead down to the Webhannet River Estuary there is always plenty to do. The craft market itself is set in and around the historic Laudholm Farm. This show is a relaxing way to spend an early fall day.

The Common Ground Fair is a truly amazing experience for anyone of any age. It is the annual celebration of all things relating to organic farming but until you check out the website you could never imagine how far reaching this could be. (See below for website info). The food is great. The sites and smells are a journey back to the 60's and the crafts are products produced in Maine and are all top quality.

The website also gives you a map to the fair with several alternate routes. This is because so many thousands of people go to it that traffic can be a problem. Parking has always been a dilemma but there are several entrances and the volunteer staff do a remarkable job of keeping things flowing.

Be advised that the fair does not sell coffee so if you want some, bring your own thermos. And if your legs get tired, find our booth. We usually have a couple lawn chairs outside the tent near our booth and don't mind sharing with tired folks.

Entrance fee to the fair has been $8 or $6 for senior citizens and free to children under 12, Mofga members and handicapped. We have not received our show information yet so check the Mofga site for updates on the fee.

For more information, go to http://www.mofga.org and then scroll to the Common Ground Country Fair section.

The Maine State Museum Show is a small but excellent pre-Christmas event. It is for many people in central Maine the last opportunity to see the work of a wide range of excellent Guild artists and artisans before Christmas.

This year the show date was selected to coincide with the United Maine Carftsmen Show which is held at the Augusta Civic Center. Although that is a very large show and we are small, there is really no conflict as the shows are completely different.And this gives an ideal opportunity for the public to make a real 'craft show' weekend of it.

There is no admission fee to the Museum Show and parking is never a problem.

In an effort to keep the show fresh, non-members of the Guild are encouraged to apply for space, but the usual high quality of the Guild shows has been maintained.

Dress warmly as many of the booths are located in the Museum foyer and it can be cold in there in November. This show is the last opportunity our patrons have for seeing a full display of the carvings prior to Christmas as we will be leaving for New Zealand in late Novemeber. But remember, carvings can still be viewed online at our site yearround, and can be purchased by calling our toll free number.