For several years, the Weehawken Cultural Affairs Committee sponsored an Arts and Crafts Festival. It was held along Boulevard East and featured a variety of creative works from many different people, most of whom resided in Weehawken.
It was a day for the artistic folk to display their crafts and for the curious shoppers to purchase original works. But organizational woes caused the Festival to fall by the wayside.
However, Sarah Crew became the new director of the Cultural Affairs Committee recently, and one of the first things she wanted to accomplish as director was to bring back the Festival.
“We figured we could try a new concept,” Crew said. “So this year, it’s a fine arts and antiques festival, incorporating antiques along with arts and crafts.”
The newly restored Arts and Crafts Festival will be held on Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lincoln Harbor Park.
“There’s plenty of parking there and it’s where the Weehawken Day Festival is held, so it made more sense than holding it on Boulevard East,” Crew said. “This way, we can turn it into a full day of fun.”
And it is shaping up to be. Not only will visitors get a chance to purchase a variety of items from at least 25 artists (and perhaps more), but there will be entertainment for people of all ages.
The students of the Grace Theater Workshop will perform on the stage/band shell during the day, under the guidance of Lucio Fernandez and Megan Smith, the owners of Weehawken arts and crafts store MeLu. There will be a clown on hand to entertain young visitors.
A host of Weehawken artists will have tables of their works. Hala Barbar will have her oil paintings and acrylics. There will be people with framed photographs, hand-made jewelry, soaps, and ceramics.
Some of the other Weehawken residents include Evelyn Dette, who will display her acrylic paintings, Liberty Vallance, who has whimsical ceramics and pottery, Lillian Zimmerman, who has oil paintings, Jean Claude Gracia, who also has oil paintings, and Paula Crossan, who has children’s toys and furniture.
There will also be a table featuring the creations and work of the Garden Club of Weehawken, as well as the Woman’s Club of North Hudson. Crew belongs to both organizations.
“I’m very excited about bringing it back,” said Crew, who has been working hard in securing the day for almost a year. “It should be a wonderful, fun day.”
Crew said that the timing is perfect for those Mother’s Day purchases.
“The festival gives people a chance to pick up a rare and unique gift for Mom,” Crew said. “I think a lot of people will be gearing their tables toward Mother’s Day.”
Crew said that the festival was sorely missing in a town that features so many talented artists and sculptors. “We really do have a lot of talented people living here,” Crew said. “One of the things we want to do with the Cultural Affairs Committee is to promote Weehawken artists with displays at the Weehawken Public Library. We’re hoping to begin that kind of showcase in the fall.”
Added Crew, “Of all the things that the CAC would be able to do, this one day is my particular baby.”
Crew is an accomplished artist of painted and refurbished furniture.
“I’d love to see a lot of people come down,” Crew said. “I just have to pray for good weather.”
The day after the Weehawken festival, there will be another fair in the area. The Hoboken Arts and Music Festival is being held Sunday, May 6.