By Ashley Rittenhouse
The Marietta Times
arittenhouse@mariettatimes.com
Article Photos
ASHLEY RITTENHOUSE The Marietta Times
Ann Keach, owner of The Cottage, paints a wine glass in her studio on Third Street in Marietta Wednesday. Keach is among the 32 crafters and vendors participating in a Spring Craft Show Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Franklin Street in Marietta. The craft show benefits the Washington County Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Harmar Community Center.
Two local organizations are teaming up to hold a Spring Craft Show Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Marietta.
Proceeds from the craft show will benefit the Washington County Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Harmar Community Center.
Sheri Schwartz, executive director of the local Red Cross chapter, said the craft show was held for the first time last year at the chapter house on Fourth Street in Marietta but it only benefited the Red Cross. It netted about $1,100 for the organization, which is funded solely with donations.
"The chapter house unfortunately is not completely handicapped accessible," she said. "This year we wanted to move it somewhere where it would be handicapped accessible, there weren't any stairs, it's larger so we can have more crafters and vendors and more food variety and more space for people to sit and eat."
She said there will be 32 crafters and vendors there. The event is being held in conjunction with Red Cross month and there will be information about the organization available there. Admission is $2 per person.
"The money, for us, will go into our general fund to help fire victims in the event of a major disaster and operating costs," Schwartz added.
Mary Ann Von Ville, executive director of the Harmar Community Center, said the organization's board will use the money for projects being completed in phase one of construction on the center.
"June 8 is our scheduled opening. That's for the first phase - the Boys and Girls Club (of Washington County), the Adult Education Center and meeting rooms," she said. "We tore down the front porch and tore out landscaping, so that's the next major project for the front, to make it presentable to the neighborhood."
The building at 307 Lancaster St. where the center will be located has been under construction for months. The building is the former home of Magnetic Specialty Inc.
Von Ville noted that for an extra charge, craft show attendees can purchase breakfast items such as donuts and coffee in the morning, and pizza and hot dogs will be available later in the day. Food can be eaten at the craft show or ordered to go.
She said crafters and vendors are coming from all over, including Williamstown, Parkersburg, Coolville and Beverly. There will be representatives there from Pampered Chef, Thirty-One and other independent sales companies.
Marietta resident Ann Keach, owner of The Cottage at 729 Third St. in Marietta, is among those participating. She makes hand painted glassware, such as vases and wine glasses.
"I try to do the (craft shows) where the contributions make a difference," said Keach, 71.
She added that she was unable to participate in the craft show at the chapter house last year because she couldn't climb the stairs there due to her bad knees, so she's glad the show was moved this year to the Knights of Columbus Hall.
"It's on level ground and I'm looking forward to doing their show," Keach said.
If you go:
What: Spring Craft Show.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Knights of Columbus Hall, 312 Franklin St., Marietta.
Cost: $2 per person; food available for extra charge.
