Crafts & Collections , Dept. 23

Crafts & Collections

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2023 Entry Instructions

ONLINE ENTRY IS PREFERRED. To be an Exhibitor, click on the Online Entry link and follow the instructions. The alternate way to enter is to print out the offline entry form, fill it out, and mail it in according to the deadline outlined on the form and on the Entry Deadlines and Delivery Schedule page. (Please contact your Department if you are unable to print the entry form.)

Rules

  1. Entries must be entirely the work of the exhibitor.
  2. Articles previously exhibited at the Durham Fair will not be accepted.
  3. The judges’ decisions are final. The Danish system is used whereby each entry is judged on its own merit. Multiple awards may be given in each class.
  4. Items must be clean and free of dust, dirt, animal hair or other debris. Unclean items will not be accepted. Department leadership reserves the right to not judge or display any items that do not meet these exhibit standards.
  5. When possible, a committee member oversees the Department at all times during the Fair. The building is locked at night and security guards are on duty. However, the Fair is not responsible for anything damaged, lost or stolen.
  6. Committee will be responsible for displaying craft items; items will be moved during set-up of crafts exhibits.
  7. Exhibitors may submit ONLY 1 ENTRY IN EACH category or subcategory.
  8. Multiple Items within the same category will not be accepted unless part of a related set. Acceptance of sets is at the discretion of department leadership.
  9. Any entry which requires hanging must be equipped with screw eyes, hooks, wire or other necessary hardware.
  10. Professionals may enter exhibits in all categories, however they must do so under their personal name. A professional is one who sells the articles exhibited. The department will not display promotional items or company names/logos within the exhibit displays or on item tags.
  11. Please DESCRIBE THE EXHIBIT on the entry form. DO NOT LIST the category description.
  12. Items created using Silhouette/Cricut or other laser-cut tools must include an index card noting which elements were crafted using machining.
  13. Exhibitors may share any information with your entry that might be helpful to fairgoers; please include no more than 2 index cards or one 8.5" × 11" page.
  14. No articles made from kits will be accepted EXCEPT in categories indicated. Crafts made from Diamond Art kits will NOT be accepted.
  15. Exhibits may be picked up between 6 and 7:30 PM on Sun. and between 4 and 7 PM on Mon. following the Fair.
  16. Collections exhibitors must be 14 years of age or older. Collections are judged on display as well as contents.
  17. Cases will be assigned per exhibitor, on a first-come, first-served basis (no more than 2 cases per exhibitor unless extra cases are available; please contact the assistant superintendent from Collections). Requested sizes will be provided where possible. Only 18 cases of each size case are available. 
  18. Limited space for “outside collections” is available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to footprints no larger than 4' × 5'. Please indicate required space on entry form. 
  19. Six "triangle" cases are available for collections (29W × 20D × 24H); cases will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please indicate interest on entry form. We will work to accommodate all requests for collection display cases.
  20. For safety reasons, exhibits may not include firearms or live ammunition.

Judging Criteria

Collections will be judged on the following elements:

  • Creativity
  • Content
  • Originality
  • Presentation

Craft entries will be judged on the following elements:

  • Creativity
  • Skill/Craftsmanship
  • Aesthetic Quality (composition, balance, design)
  • Presentation/Neatness

2023 Themed Rosette: Inspired by Food

The 2023 Themed Rosette is Inspired by Food. Items entered into ANY of our regular Crafts or Collections categories will be considered for this Rosette if the entry fits the special category theme, as well as any of the other awards or rosettes for which that item is eligible. Exhibitors no longer need to enter an item into the Special Category to be eligible for this award. Please do not include any actual food or perishable items as part of your entry.

Awards

Special Category

  • Themed Rosette: Inspired by Food

Collections

  • 1st: $8 and ribbon
  • 2nd: $6 and ribbon
  • 3rd: $4 and ribbon
  • 4th: Ribbon only
  • Rosette: Best Collection of Dolls or Toys
  • Rosette: Best Collection of Antiques
  • Rosette: Best Display
  • Special Rosette: Best of Show, Collection

Crafts

  • 1st: $8 and ribbon
  • 2nd: $6 and ribbon
  • 3rd: $4 and ribbon
  • 4th: ribbon only
  • Rosette: Best Christmas Article
  • Rosette: Best Other Holiday
  • Rosette: Best Wooden Article
  • Rosette: Best Toy or Doll
  • Rosette: Best Jewelry
  • Rosette: Best Pottery
  • Rosette: Best of Early American Crafts
  • Rosette: Best Hand Painted Article
  • Rosette: Best Craft by Senior Citizen
  • Special Rosette: Best of Show, Crafts

Cheryle M. King Memorial Crafters Award

A special award will be given for a craft voted on by the Craft and Collections Committee in memory of Cheryle M. King, former Asst. Superintendent for Crafts. The award will be a Special Ribbon and inscription on a plaque with the winners name permanently displayed in the Department’s Best of the Best.

Frederick J. Mastele Memorial Collections Award

A special award will be given for a collection voted on by the Craft and Collections Committee in memory of Frederick J. Mastele, former Asst. Superintendent for Collections. The award will be a Special Ribbon and inscription on a plaque with the winners name permanently displayed in the Department’s Best of the Best.

TABLE OF CATEGORIES

Class Code & Name $ Prize Amount
Collections
Case Sizes:
a) D20 x W31 x H12
b) D24 x W31 x H15
c) D28 x W31 x H18		 1st 2nd 3rd
C01 Durham Fair memorabilia  8 6 4
C02 Animals - glass, wood, etc.  8 6 4
C03 Antique - pre 1970  8 6 4
C04 Collectibles—bells, spoons, coins, stamps, etc.  8 6 4
C05 Dishes or glass  8 6 4
C06 Dolls  8 6 4
C07 Holiday Items  8 6 4
C08 Memorabilia—sports, trip, events, etc.  8 6 4
C09 Miniatures  8 6 4
C10 Models  8 6 4
C11 Nature collection  8 6 4
C12 Travel memorabilia  8 6 4
C13 Toys  8 6 4
C14 Rock collection 8 6 4
C15 Other collection 8 6 4
Crafts 1st 2nd 3rd
Classes
Decorative other
D01 Bird house or feeder  8 6 4
D02 Blown glass 8 6 4
D03 Decorated Gourd 8 6 4
D04 Decorated pumpkin, uncut 8 6 4
D05 Eggs decorated 8 6 4
D06 Handmade Rug      
D07 Lamp shade 8 6 4
D08 Mosaic 8 6 4
D09 Silk-screened article 8 6 4
D10 Stained glass 8 6 4
D11 Table or mantel decoration—other than holiday 8 6 4
D12 Wall hanging made from natural materials 8 6 4
D13 Wall hanging—other. No purchased puzzles or kits 8 6 4
D14 Painting—country folk art 8 6 4
D15 Painting on fabric 8 6 4
D16 Painting on wood 8 6 4
D17 Painting on other material 8 6 4
D18 Ceramics—decorative item (Made with a clay poured into a preformed mold and set or kiln-fired; may be decorated with paint or glaze) 8 6 4
D19 Ceramics—food dish (Made with a clay poured into a preformed mold and set or kiln-fired; may be decorated with paint or glaze) 8 6 4
D20 Ceramics—holiday item (Made with a clay poured into a preformed mold and set or kiln-fired; may be decorated with paint or glaze) 8 6 4
D21 Ceramics—other (Made with a clay poured into a preformed mold and set or kiln-fired; may be decorated with paint or glaze) 8 6 4
D22 Ceramics—vase or urn (Made with a clay poured into a preformed mold and set or kiln-fired; may be decorated with paint or glaze) 8 6 4
Early American crafts
E01 Early American Basket 8 6 4
E02 Early American Chair caning 8 6 4
E03 Early American Dyed spun yarn 8 6 4
E04 Early American Scherrenschnitte 8 6 4
E05 Early American Stenciling 8 6 4
E06 Early American Theorems 8 6 4
E07 Early American Undyed spun yarn 8 6 4
Early American crafts—weaving
E08 Early American Kitchen item  8 6 4
E09 Early American Wearable & accessories  8 6 4
E10 Early American Rug  8 6 4
E11 Early American Tablecloths/runners  8 6 4
E012 Early American Pillows 8 6 4
E013 Early American Weaving—miscellaneous 8 6 4
Holiday items
H01 Christmas mantel or table decoration 8 6 4
H02 Christmas—original card 8 6 4
H03 Christmas—other article      
H04 Christmas tree ornaments—up to 5 8 6 4
H05 Christmas—wall hanging 8 6 4
H06 Christmas—wreath—artificial only 8 6 4
H07 Holiday decoration—other than holidays listed 8 6 4
H08 Holiday decoration—Easter 8 6 4
H09 Holiday decoration—patriotic 8 6 4
H10 Holiday decoration—Halloween 8 6 4
H11 Holiday decoration—Thanksgiving 8 6 4
Jewelry
J01 Necklace—beaded: natural or manmade materials  8 6 4
J02 Necklace—metal work: any metal hammered, soldered, wire wrap etc. May incorporate stones or beads  8 6 4
J03 Necklace—pot luck: any materials including fabric, odds & ends, interesting things  8 6 4
J04 Bracelet—beaded: natural or manmade materials  8 6 4
J05 Bracelet—metal work: any metal hammered, soldered, wire wrap, etc. May incorporate stones or beads  8 6 4
J06 Bracelet—pot luck: any materials including fabric, odds & ends, interesting things  8 6 4
J07 Earrings—beaded: natural or manmade materials  8 6 4
J08 Earrings—metal work: any metal hammered, soldered, wire wrap etc. May incorporate stones or beads  8 6 4
J09 Earrings—pot luck: any materials including fabric, odds & ends, interesting things  8 6 4
J10 Pins—beaded: natural or manmade materials  8 6 4
J11 Pins—metal work: any metal hammered, soldered, wire wrap, etc. May incorporate stones or beads  8 6 4
J12 Pins—pot luck: any materials including fabric, odds & ends, interesting things  8 6 4
J13 Ring—any medium  8 6 4
J14 Jewelry set—any medium 8 6 4
Miscellaneous Crafts
M01 Article from recycled material—Not from pallet 8 6 4
M02 Article from repurposed pallet 8 6 4
M03 Carving—other than wood 8 6 4
M04 Child’s Furniture 8 6 4
M05 Clock—Handmade 8 6 4
M06 Soap-making 8 6 4
M07 Candle-Making 8 6 4
M08 Fly Fishing—Flies 8 6 4
M09 Model Original or design from kit 8 6 4
M10 Wedding Items 8 6 4
M11 Restoration, Other than wood: must be accompanied by before picture 8 6 4
M12 Miscellaneous Craft (please specify in entry) 8 6 4
M13 Doll, Toy or Game—Not wood 8 6 4
M14 Doll House—Original 8 6 4
M15 Doll House—Kit 8 6 4
M16 Doll House—Furniture: up to 3 pieces 8 6 4
M17 Fairy Garden—Handcrafted elements; No live plants 8 6 4
M18 Paper Craft—Not scherrenschnitte 8 6 4
M19 Paper Craft—Scrapbooking 8 6 4
M20 Paper Craft—Quilling 8 6 4
M21 Costume – Handcrafted, Mixed Media 8 6 4
M22 Costume – Mask or Accessory 8 6 4
Pottery
P01 Pottery—Hand Built—Tableware 8 6 4
P02 Pottery—Hand Built—Decorative 8 6 4
P03 Pottery—Hand Built—Functional 8 6 4
P04 Pottery—Hand Built—Vessel w/lid 8 6 4
P05 Pottery—Hand Built—Vessel w/handle 8 6 4
P06 Pottery—Hand Built—Miniature item 3" 8 6 4
P07 Pottery—Hand Built—12 inches or larger 8 6 4
P08 Pottery—Wheel Thrown—Tableware 8 6 4
P09 Pottery—Wheel Thrown—Decorative 8 6 4
P10 Pottery—Wheel Thrown—Functional 8 6 4
P11 Pottery—Wheel Thrown—Vessel w/lid 8 6 4
P12 Pottery—Wheel Thrown—Vessel w/handle 8 6 4
P13 Pottery—Wheel Thrown—Miniature 3" 8 6 4
P14 Pottery—Wheel Thrown—12" or larger 8 6 4
Woodworking, Leather & Metal-Work
W01 Leather—Tooling, lacing, etc. 8 6 4
W02 Metalwork—Hand wrought 8 6 4
W03 Metalwork—Other than jewelry 8 6 4
W04 Wood—Three dimensional carving 8 6 4
W05 Wood Item—Instruments 8 6 4
W06 Wood Item—Intarsia 8 6 4
W07 Wood Item—Relief carving 8 6 4
W08 Wood Item—Turning 8 6 4
W09 Wood-burning 8 6 4
W10 Wood Item—Toy 8 6 4
W11 Wood Item—Game 8 6 4
W12 Wood Item—Other (please specify in entry) 8 6 4
W13 Wood Item—Refinished 8 6 4
W14 Wood Restoration—must be accompanied by before picture 8 6 4
W15 Large Wood Item—Chest 8 6 4
W16 Large Wood Item—Table/Desk 8 6 4
W17 Large Wood Item—Cabinet 8 6 4
W18 Large Wood Item—Other (please specify in entry) 8 6 4
W19 Small Wood Item—Lamp 8 6 4
W20 Small Wood Item—Box 8 6 4
W21 Small Wood Item—Other (please specify in entry) 8 6 4

Contacts

  • Kristy King
    Superintendent
    352-870-8184
    [email protected]
    42 Edwards Rd.
    Durham, CT 06422
  • Amy King Painter
    Asst. Superintendent, Crafts
    860-214-1397
    [email protected]
    30 Maple St.
    Rockfall, CT 06481
  • Pam Hogarth
    Asst. Superintendent, Collections
    860-349-1254
    [email protected]
    20 Bernadette Lane
    Durham, CT 06422

Committee

  • Jessica Babbitt
  • Amanda Caccamo
  • Danielle DiCostanzo
  • Jeff DiCostanzo
  • Amy Dills
  • Devin Emanuele
  • Eileen Graves
  • Charlene Hicks
  • Abby Smith
  • Joe King
  • Lily King
  • Jean MacDonald
  • Brenda Marino
  • Cheryl Mastele
  • Emma Painter
  • Kennedy Painter
  • KJ Painter
  • Debbie Rossi
  • Jim Rossi
  • Nancy Stevens
  • Laurie Saulnier
  • Tessa Thomas
  • Kathy Twombly
  • Meredith Villwock
  • Sharen Winter

Updated: 5/16/2023