Holiday Charity Art and Craft Fairs

Over 150 fine crafters, artists and gourmet food specialists, many of whom are new to the region, will offer their creations at two events in the Music Pier’s Grand Auditorium on the Boardwalk at Eighth Street.
The season opening “Holiday Festival” on the weekend of Nov. 14 and 15 will pack the center with wreath designers, artists and crafters, bakers and candy apple makers plus aisles of unique home decorating and gift ideas.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Nearby parking is free on Eighth Street lots. Attendees receive a discount admission coupon for the show on the following weekend. For information call the Jersey Shore Artisans Guild at 609-399-9998.
The annual “Christmas Spectacular”, with a totally new cast of artists, crafters, photographers and gourmet food specialists will be presented on Nov. 21 and 22.
You will discover gingerbread houses two feet tall, gift baskets and gourmet treats that turn the Music Pier into a wonderland sparkling with magnificent jewelry creations, Santas, angels, toys, dolls, trains, fine art and dazzling themed Christmas trees.
Complimentary parking is provided on Moorlyn Terrace as well as Eighth Street. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call Seaview Show Management at 800-822-4112.
A sampling of exhibitors includes Donna Clauer of Painted Stitches, Tom Konopka specializes in all natural, award winning candles and wreaths while Kathleen Koveleski offers her hand cut fleece garments and accessories.
Jeweler’s Row features Malka Ronen from Israel. She works sterling silver and precious stones into strong, yet feminine creations. Natalie Nowattowski fashions images from the backs of antique dominos into earrings, bracelets and necklaces. And Barry Gebhart offers his own high end sterling silver and 14K gold creations at modest prices.
In the Birds of a Feather booth, you will see American bald eagles among the subjects that Sue Brown hand paints on feathers and then frames and John Styer, The Lathe Meister, expertly turns out wooden heirlooms.
All profits from these two shows are donated to the Ocean City Food Cupboard and Clothing Closet, the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Salvation Army and American Red Cross. The charitable admission donation is $3 and children are free. Since the National Weather Service is not predicting snowfall on the Boardwalk this November, Santa plans to travel to both shows on water skis after everyone is asleep.