HANDCRAFTED, ARTISAN, exhibit, guild … handmade, quilted, painted, woven … What do the words mean to you? What images come to your mind?
You might be curious about the latest craft or hobby give it a second thought. You might expect to find popsicle castles, woven potholders, or old-fashioned quilts. You might look forward to it, happy to browse for a unique gift or personal treasure. Or, you might not believe anything there could interest you. After all, you’re not crafty.
A visit to Manchester’s Foothills Craft & Gift Shop will ex- ceed your expectations. It’s a treasure chest waiting to be explored.
Founded in 1981, Foothills is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public in fine arts. Skilled members accomplish their mission by exhibiting and selling their arts and crafts in the gift shop and through the classes and seminars they lead.
Think you’d like to be a member of the juried guild? To apply, complete an application and submit samples of your art or craft.The standards committee will judge the items and determine whether or not the membership is approved.
Funded entirely by membership dues, community donations, and a portion of every gift shop sale, your support makes a difference. A scholarship is now awarded annually to a local graduating senior pursuing a visual or performing arts career.
An open house is held each November and provides an opportunity for the community to meet guild members and browse the shop. But don’t wait for the open house.
The gift shop is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 1-5 p.m., and is staffed entirely by volunteer members. It’s a regular stop for many travelers who drop in each time they come through, but it may be a resource often overlooked by area residents.
Antonia Williams, guild president, said, “We have a lot of turnaround with our products. The inventory of crafts and products brought in by the members is ever-changing. You could come in weekly and still see something different every time.”
There’s a misconception that the items offered are old-fashioned.
“We do have a lot of new, modern things as well. We try to keep up-to-date with the trends. Quilts and hand-sewn items are still very popular, but that’s not all we have. We have woodwork, laser-cut items, beautiful wreaths, handmade cloth- ing, and a great variety to choose from,” Williams said.
There really is something for everyone. Recently shown on Foothills’ Facebook page are salsa, jams, jellies, handcrafted soaps, jewelry, bookmarks, stained glass, books authored by members of the guild, unique lamps, tote bags, and a wide variety of other items. Something there will catch your eye.
Whether you’ve never been or just ha- ven’t been in a while, plan to stop by the gift shop and look around. Your treasure is waiting! -GN
