The 27th Annual Covered Bridge Artisan Tour, underway this Thanksgiving weekend, will raise funds for those impacted by Hurricane Ida by accepting donations to Fisherman’s Mark, a nonprofit 501(c)3 social services agency in Lambertville.
The group of artists and artisans, whose work and studios can be seen along the self-guided tour through the Delaware Valley, will include information about Fisherman’s Mark and accept monetary donations along the tour in the form of checks made payable to the non-profit. (Donations can also be made anytime at www.fishermansmark.org/donations.)
“We discussed a number of worthy options, but decided to focus on the needs of many, so close to home,” said Karen Caldwell, owner of Sunflower Glass Studio and one of the founders of the Covered Bridge Artisans tour. “Hurricane Ida was right in our backyard and caused devastation and destruction for so many,” Caldwell said, “Fisherman’s Mark was the clear choice as a well- established group working to help people in the aftermath of the hurricane. We also hope to educate those who live in the community about all the services that Fisherman’s Mark offers to those who are in need.”
“Several months after the hurricane, we still have clients who are housing insecure,” said Jennifer Williford, Executive Director of Fisherman’s Mark. “We’ve been distributing funds through our Hurricane Ida Relief Grant, which is designed to help people who have been displaced, have lost property and are having trouble recovering financially.”
The Covered Bridge Artisans tour shows off high quality studio crafts while also offering a glimpse of historic and architecturally unique homes and buildings. Tour visitors experience the process that these craftspeople go through to make their art, the tools used and the creative impulses behind the pieces. “It allows for a greater appreciation of the pieces that they are viewing. Since it is the holidays, visitors are able to purchase gifts or talk about future commission with each artist,” Caldwell said.
This year’s tour features artisans working in glass, jewelry, ceramics, cast bronze, painting, weaving, bookbinding, woodworking, quilting and more, while offering participants a tour through the beautiful river valley. “It is a casual, friendly, varied experience that is a delightful, tactile antidote to the online shopping world,” Caldwell said.
The Covered Bridge Artisans tour will be held Friday through Sunday of Thanksgiving Weekend, November 26, 27 & 28, 10 am to 5 pm. A detailed map of the self-guided tour can be downloaded from the website: www.coveredbridgeartisans.com.