The Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi will present its 47th annual Chimneyville Crafts Festival December 1 and 2 at the Waller Craft Center, located at 950 Rice Road in Ridgeland. All exhibitors in the festival are juried members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi and represent the finest artisans and craftsmen from across the state and beyond.
The event kicks off with the popular Preview Party at the Waller Craft Center on Thursday, November 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. The event allows ticket holders to preview the crafts presented by exhibitors, as well as enjoy food, beverages, and live music.
“We are celebrating the Guild’s fiftieth anniversary this year,” says Debby DeLashmet, who serves as the president of the Craftsmen’s Guild board of directors. “We are excited that this year’s Chimneyville will feature at least 50 exhibitors, which is even larger than last year’s show.”
Friday morning will begin in the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Think Radio tent on the front lawn of the Waller Craft Center. Horticulturist Felder Rushing will host a live radio broadcast of The Gestalt Gardner from the tent at 9 a.m. In his weekly show, Rushing shares stories, answers questions and just talks gardening. The Gestalt Gardener is a long-time favorite on MPB Think Radio.
New this year is an extended hour in the Think Radio tent with Next Stop, Mississippi with host Germaine Flood joined by Kamel King with Visit Mississippi. Demonstrations by members of the Craftsmen’s Guild will take place in the Think Radio tent on Friday and Saturday. Artisans will also have their work available for sale following their demonstration. There will also be demos in the metal workshop and wood working shop.
Another feature will be the Young Artists show. Selected students from area high schools will have work on display in the Harbor View Room upstairs at the Waller Craft Center. Awards will be presented to students Saturday afternoon. “This is an important program for us,” says DeLashmet. “These students could potentially be future members of the Craftsmen’s Guild.”
The doors to the craft center open at 10 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday, December 1 and 2. The show runs through 4 p.m. each day. There will be food and beverages available to purchase on-site.
“We are looking forward to this year’s festival,” says DeLashmet. “Why give ordinary, mass-produced gifts when amazing, original crafts are right here? We hope everyone will join us at the Waller Craft Center in Ridgeland for this exciting annual festival that celebrates our talented craftsmen.”
Elizabeth Montambault, who serves on the board of directors, also serves as this year’s Chimneyville Chair. “The Craftsmen’s Guild is as relevant now as it has ever been,” says Montambault. “We are blessed with a wealth of talented people who create beautiful works of art. Hand-crafted items make a home feel richer. Giving a gift that someone has made by hand shows that you care enough to choose something made with love. Having access to so many fine crafts in one place is a wonderful opportunity to add to your collection, or to start a new one. We welcome everyone to join us at Chimneyville.”
addition to the booths at the festival, the Gallery at the Waller Craft Center will be open as well from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on December 1 and 2. Browse a wide range of options, from traditional folk items, such as quilts, baskets and wood-carved spoons, to contemporary works, like metal sculpture, fused glass, and handcrafted jewelry.
For more information on the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, visit their website at www.mscrafts.org.
