Gardiner is home to artists and craftspeople who push new boundaries with their work; their creations are definitely cause for celebration. This year, we’re doubly fortunate to have two events, both held the first weekend in June: The Craft Market Walk (sponsored by Gardiner Association of Businesses) kicks off its first annual appearance on Saturday, June 3rd, from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
The Gardiner Open Studio (GOST) Tour, sponsored by its artist members and returning for the fifth year, will feature over 20 fine artists and their notable works and works in progress. As usual, GOST painters, sculptors, ceramicists, textile designers, photographers, and other fine artists invite tour-goers into their work spaces to catch a rare glimpse of their process. GOST will be hosted Saturday and Sunday, June 3rd and 4th, from 11 AM to 6 PM.
So, let’s get into a bit more detail about the Craft, Market and Walk aspects of the day to whet your appetites. There will (of course!) be crafts; there will be music; and, hopefully, there will be a walking, dance-shoes-wearing, get-your-shop-on, you. The walk begins at the Gardiner Library, connects to the Farmer’s Market space on Main Street at Third Street, spans the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, and finishes at Yard Owl Craft Brewery on Steve’s Lane.
CRAFT: the Craft Market Walk is about celebrating Gardiner’s talented artisans, honoring the unique flair they bring to our town, and giving back to the community. An idea that developed to commemorate the unique vibe of our village, the Craft Market Walk features woodworkers, designers, hairstylists, builders, bakers and brewers.
MARKET: The Market stop of the Craft Market Walk is a farm emporium. Dedicated to local farmers, bakers and marmateers, this part of the walk features locally made and packaged items such as jams, hot sauces, syrups, cookies and more. And if you’re watching your calories, don’t worry, there will still be plenty of time to walk it off before you make it to your final destination at Yard Owl Craft Brewery, where there will be raffles, food, and music, oh my!
WALK: The Craft Market Walk also invites visitors to walk for a cause. Proceeds from raffles, vendor sales and donations will benefit the likes of St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Gardiner Library and the Gardiner Association of Businesses (the sponsor).
GOST: Craft Market Walkers are invited to spend the whole day in Gardiner and explore everything the town has to offer, which brings us to the GOST tour. Take the tour! These artists have come from varied backgrounds and myriad points of origin, and yet have all selectively chosen picturesque Gardiner as both their home and the locale to cultivate their artistic expressions.
Make the first weekend in June your day to tour the town, sample all the hand-crafted delicacies, and experience all the art it has to offer. We hope to see you there!