Craft Guild of Nevada County
We first met mother and daughter Carolyn Napier and Carrie Fender at our January Creatives Meetup at the Seven Stars Gallery in Nevada City. As the newest leaders of the Nevada County Craft Guild, they were excited to share about the history of the guild—home to one of the longest-running craft fairs in the county—and to find new members and vendors. Over the last few months we’ve remained in touch and recently sat down for an interview with the Craft Guild’s new executive board.
Originally incorporated in August of 1985 as “Women’s Craft Guild of Nevada County” the group later changed its name to “Craft Guild of Nevada County,” recognizing that anyone can be a craftsperson. According to the articles of incorporation, the mission of the Craft Guild “is to help and educate individuals involved in a home business of crafts through workshops, networking, marketing, and cooperative wholesale purchasing.” Over the years, the Guild has successfully organized numerous workshops, fostered a supportive network, and enhanced marketing efforts to support local artisans.
A New Era for the Guild
The new year has brought on a new executive board and new members who are eager to transform the Guild into an even more vibrant community. Their vision is to make the Guild a welcoming space where artists and crafters can gather, collaborate, and enjoy creating their art together. Welcoming new and experienced artists and crafters in all mediums, the guild aims to provide a diverse and inclusive environment. This renewed focus promises to offer expanded opportunities for learning, networking, and showcasing unique artistic talents.
Looking Ahead
Although this year has been focused on their upcoming Winterfaire, and recruiting new members, the Guild is looking forward to future plans that will benefit both members and the broader community. These plans include a potential Spring show, a silent auction, community workshops, and participation in local artistic events. Additionally, the Guild has joined both the Grass Valley and Nevada City Chambers of Commerce and plan to actively participate in their upcoming events.
Winterfaire
The Guild’s premier fundraising event is undergoing an exciting transformation this year. With a reputation as the oldest and longest running art show at the fairgrounds, the Craft Guild is revitalizing Winterfaire to offer a new and improved experience. “Our motto is a show for artists by artists,” shares Carolyn Napier. A juried event reflects their commitment to elevating and making it the premier art show of the season. The Craft Guild of Nevada County invites new vendors to apply and showcase their new and exciting handcrafted treasures.
Interested vendors are encouraged to apply at CraftGuildOfNevadaCounty.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your exclusive creations at one of the most anticipated shows of the season!
This story originally appeared in the July 15th, 2024 edition of the GVNC Culture Connection newsletter.