The 40th Annual Holiday Fair Fine Craft Show, to be held November 2 & 3, 2024--with a special ticketed Preview Night on Friday, November 1--will feature a variety of artisans exhibiting and selling their work, including jewelry, glasswork, ceramics, mixed media, and decorative and wearable fiber creations. Patrons can stroll the campus and find artists throughout the historic Homestead, Chambers Studio, and the Corkran and Tubbs galleries to select the perfect gifts for family, friends and themselves.
ARTISTS
View a complete list of 2024 Holiday Fair artists here.
PREVIEW NIGHT
A ticketed Preview Night will be held from 5-7pm on Friday, November 1. As a fundraiser for the Art League, your preview ticket will give you early access to the artists' booths to shop as well as complimentary refreshments and drinks in each building on campus. Attendees will enjoy hors d'oeuvres courtesy of The Pines, Sunny Bay Cafe, Thompson Island Brewing Company, and Big Fish. Drinks around campus are courtesy of event underwriter Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Breakthru Beverage. Live music for the evening adds to the festive spirit. Tickets to the Friday Preview Night--which are limited--are good for return entry the entire weekend of the Holiday Fair. Preview Night tickets are $50 and can be purchased online here.
RAFFLE
Take a chance at winning this year's exquisitely whimsical raffle piece, donated by longtime RAL member artist John Cooley. This original ceramic piece, Jungle Wall Hanging, valued at $600, exemplifies this artist's detailed craftmanship and playful approach. All raffle proceeds benefit RAL's education and exhibition programs. Raffle tickets are $5 per ticket or five for $20 and may be purchased at the front desk of the Corkran Gallery through November 3 or online here. Tickets holders must be 18 years of age or older.
Rehoboth based ceramic artist John Cooley has demonstrated his lifelong fascination with nature and wildlife by drawing and cartooning animals for as long as he can remember. After a ten-year career with the Friends of the National Zoo and obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Maryland he moved to Rehoboth Beach in 1999 to complete his Masters in Art Education at Salisbury University/UMES.
Influenced by the joyful, spontaneous art of his students, he joined the Rehoboth Art League to take nighttime classes in ceramics. It was here that he began to explore various hand building and sculptural techniques that allowed him to create functional and decorative pieces that expressed a playful mood. After receiving the Best Sculpture award at the 2009 RAL Fine Art Exhibition, John decided to turn this new pastime into part time income by participating in several local juried art festivals. He especially enjoys watching the reactions of the public as they enter his booth and the camaraderie with other artists. In 2016 he took early retirement from teaching and began selling his work full time.
AUCTION
Take time to explore the event's online auction, which can be viewed in the DeWitt Gallery during the Holiday Fair or anytime online. Participating event artists have generously donated a piece of their artwork to be auctioned off, with the proceeds supporting RAL's exhibition and education programs. Bids may be placed online here, with the auction closing at 4pm on Sunday, November 3. Be sure to check back often as additional items continue to be added.
REFRESHMENTS
The Point Coffee House and Bake Shoppe will have packaged, takeaway breakfast and lunch options, available in the Children’s Studio. Dogfish Head will be offering craft beer in our 'Paynter's Pub.'
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
General admission to the event begins Saturday, November 2 and the entry fee of $5 per adult, which supports our year-round exhibition and education programs, permits entry to the event all weekend. There is no charge for children under the age of 12. Tickets must be purchased at the door.
