Local Artists Sell Crafts In Annual Show

Every year, the non-profit Main Line Art Center holds a fine craft sale in December that supports its education and outreach programs.

It's a juried sale, so everything is of professional quality and crafts are selected, said Rachel Ammon, communications director for the center. Among the crafts are jewelry, glass art, ceramics, soaps and woodwork.

"We like to say there's something for everyone at the sale—for everyone on your list," Ammon said. "We're focused on supporting the careers of local artists in our community."

Kathy Havira, of Penn Valley, was browsing the displays while her kids were in an art class upstairs.

"I think I'm going to come back," Havira said. "I'm not organized enough to buy anything tonight, but I like the things that are already arranged. There's a lot of great potential for gifts."

And the artists take turns volunteering so shoppers can meet the people who made their gifts. It's more personal that way, Ammon said.

The dynamic knitting duo of Leslie Friedman and Kathy Makransky were volunteering Wednesday night.  Friedman has been knitting sweaters and scarves for 30 years, and Makransky has been knitting necklaces now for about three and a half years.

"There are only so many sweaters and necklaces you can wear yourself," Friedman said. "We're sisters, but not by blood."

Friedman said they've built up a following over the years, with husbands often coming in to buy things their wives told them they wanted.

Makransky described herself as being the muscle, carrying in the boxes of items, and Friedman matches up sweaters and necklaces for their display. Friedman said people tend to appreciate their display, even if they don't buy anything.

"She dresses me up every day," Makransky said, showing off her borrowed sweater. "She tells me what to wear and matches me up with necklaces."

And even though their display looks planned, they said they don't discuss what they're making with one another beforehand.

"We're on the same wavelength," Friedman said. "It just works."

IF YOU GO:

What: Fine Craft Sale

Where: Main Line Art Center, 746 Panmure Road, Haverford

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday