Short, Pudgy Santa While most European Father Christmas figures tend to be whimsical, tall, and slender, the Americanized holiday figure is often a jovial, rotund Santa. That is often the easiest way to be able to tell when, and where, the original chocolate mould used to create our chalkware Santas originates. In the case of [...]
The 17th annual Collector’s Weekend brought collectors from all over the country to participate in one of three Painting Workshops, enjoy the Saturday lecture series featuring Judi and Gary Vaillancourt, Dad’s Follies, and Bob Byers, Jr, from Byers Choice, or even enjoy the annual Dinner held at Old Sturbridge Village with keynote speaker William Wallace, [...]
The Classic European Santa! It is easy to tell the difference between a modern American Santa and an old world European Santa. The slender figure and pointed hat of this Santa gives it away. First introduced as a prototype for Garnet Hill, this European Santa has been introduced into the Vaillancourt line because of the [...]
Each year at the Collector’s Weekend dinner one person is chosen at random to design their very own Chalkware piece. Working with Judi, they select a mould to use and begin the task of determining how they want this Santa to look! Although the piece can’t be carved, there have been many creative and unique [...]
Send in the clowns! This whimsical Santa has tired of giving out dolls to the good girls this season, instead, he has opted to deliver the gift of this clown. Both boys and girls grow a large smile on their face when they wake up to seeing this happy clown in white, with bright colored [...]
Kiss me, I’m Irish. Because a majority of the confectionary moulds available today were made in Europe during the late 1800s and early 1900s, it is nearly impossible to find moulds that were specifically created to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. That is why Judi has had to be creative in designing chalkware pieces that would make [...]
Giving your heart to the one you love can be a challenge. Over the past few years, Judi Vaillancourt’s Valentine Santas have helped express the emotion of love in many ways . Although Valentine’s Day is in February, the January Twelve Months of Christmas Santa is the 2012 Valentine Chalkware Santa (12033). Let him help you [...]
Event Under The Tent Thursday, 7/19/2012 - Sunday, 7/22/2012
Small Friends on Nantucket held its annual Folk Art and Artisan Show Event Under the Tenton July 14-17. This was our 20th Anniversary show and because the event has grown so popular we added a fourth day. It proved to be needed as over 300 people attended the fourth day bringing the total of attendees to over 3,000. The event began on Thursday evening with a catered, open bar Preview Party where ticket holders visited the vendors and had the opportunity to select items before the general public attended on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Live music by Four Easy Payments filled the tent, Simply with Style's delicious food was served throughout the evening and Spanky's Raw Bar served the freshest clams and oysters available. Sponsored by: Small Friends on Nantucket
Dickens Returns to Worcester! Friday, 9/21/2012, 8:00 PM-9:30 PM
As the world celebrates Charles Dickens' 200th birthday, the city of Worcester has real reason to celebrate: for the first time since 1868, a Dickens will take the stage at historic Mechanics Hall and perform the same story that Charles Dickens once read on the same stage: A Christmas Carol. About A Christmas Carol: A novella first published by Chapman & Hall on 19 December 1843. The story tells of sour and stingy Ebenezer Scrooge's ideological, ethical, and emotional transformation after the supernatural visits of Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. The novella met with instant success and critical acclaim when Victorian era Britain was experiencing a nostalgic interest in its forgotten Christmas traditions, and at the time when new customs such as the Christmas tree and greeting cards were being introduced. Following his historic Worcester performance, Dickens will perform his intimate one man show of The Republic of My Imagination, A Child’s Journey with Dickens, Oliver Twist, and The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby at Vaillancourt Folk Art’s Blaxton Hall. Visit http://MeetDickens.com for more details on all shows. Sponsored by: Worcester Historical Museum, Richard Carr & Associates Financial Services, John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission
Dickens Returns to Worcester Saturday, 9/22/2012
More information to come!
Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit Friday, 10/5/2012 - Sunday, 10/7/2012
The Waterford Fair is the oldest juried crafts fair in Virginia and four-time winner Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association Best Event of the Year. In addition to historic homes open for tour, 155 juried heritage craftspeople (many nationally known) provide hands-on demonstrations, entertainers provide continuous traditional music and dance, Colonial and Civil War-era militia encamp and demonstrate, and there are children's activities throughout the weekend. Sponsored by: Waterford Foundation
Hallow Wine Reception Friday, 10/12/2012, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Twice a year there is a special evening where the introduction of Vaillancourt Exclusives are unveiled during a wine reception. Not unlike a fine art gallery's opening, the galleries at Vaillancourt Folk Art are transformed to get you into the spirit of the season. During these wine receptions the new Halloween chalkware pieces are made available, with premier numbers, to those in attendance. In addition to the unveiling of the new products, we are joined by wine experts that will do a simple tasting of a selection of wines. The perfect combination of retail therapy with decadent wines for a fun night out. The reception is free to attend, participation in the wine tasting is restricted to our guests 21+.
Folk Art Festival of New England Friday, 10/26/2012 - Sunday, 10/28/2012
Visit us at the the Royal Plaza Trade Center of Marlborough, MA for the annual Folk Art Festival of New England.
Boston Christmas Festival Friday, 11/2/2012 - Sunday, 11/4/2012
The Christmas Festival makes preparing for the holidays a breeze, with gifts for everyone and all the elements for stylish entertaining. For holiday decorating, the show offers many possibilities from opulent brocade and tapestry Christmas stockings and wall hangings to old fashioned cranberry garland wreaths, musical angel figurines, whimsical holiday elves, gleaming seashell ornaments, collectible Santas and colorful seasonal flags.
Christmas Opening with Starlight Friday, 11/2/2012 - Sunday, 11/4/2012
Vaillancourt Folk Art is known for doing Christmas in a big way. With breathtaking decorative themes changing each year, their gallery is truly transformed into a winter wonderland that is a cherished experience for thousands of families a year. In addition, philanthropy has always played an important role for the Vaillancourts, which is why Judi has created the annual Starlight Santa each year since 1990. The Christmas Opening kicks off the season with the first glimpse of the decorations and the availability of purchasing the premier numbers of the annual Starlight Santa.
Fine American Craftsman Show Saturday, 11/10/2012 - Sunday, 11/11/2012
The Wilton Historical Society proudly presents its 27th annual Fine American Craftsman Show, once again professionally managed by Barn Star Productions. Come shop with enthusiastic delight at Wilton's most popular and revered show. It's a wonderful experience. This annual event continues to be the showcase of America's finest artists and artisans gathered from around the country. Their unique wares and creative objects, traditional and contemporary in design, will certainly satisfy your appetite for extraordinary gifts and treasured items for your home. Sponsored by: The Wilton Historical Society
Christmas Open House Thursday, 11/15/2012, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Take the stress out of gift giving! Join us at the Gallery and let us help you with your Holiday gifts. Enjoy cheese and wine while you find that perfect gift and have it gift wrapped!
Old Deerfield Craft Fair Christmas Sampler Friday, 11/16/2012 - Sunday, 11/18/2012
The Old Deerfield Craft Fairs have been among the highest ranked shows in Massachusetts and New England by Sunshine Artist Magazine, for 25 years a major publication of the arts and crafts movement in the United States. The Christmas Sampler, Fall Craft Fair, and Summer Craft Fair were each recognized in the "Best Show" rankings, with the Sampler holding the #1 spot for Traditional Craft Fairs in New England.
A Christmas Carol, with Charles Dickens' Great Great Grandson Friday, 11/23/2012 - Sunday, 11/25/2012
We are very pleased to announce that Gerald Charles Dickens will be performing his one man show of "A Christmas Carol" again this holiday season. The response to the previous two years' program was very exciting. Mr. Dickens' transfixed the audiences with his ability to instantly become each character with his mannerisms and voice. Everyone came away filled with the spirit of Christmas! Dates and times to be announced!
Sutton Chain of Lights Saturday, 12/1/2012, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Join us in celebrating Sutton's Chain of Lights celebration. Since it's inception the Chain of Lights has brought together a community—both residents and businesses. Connecting each business are trolleys that run continuously from 10am until 4pm. In addition to some great Christmas shopping specials, and the gallery decorated with the splendor of the holidays, enjoy a Ukulele Christmas performance in Blaxton Hall. Rebekah and Sir Harry, having come up from New York City, will be performing at 11:00am, 12-noon, 1:00pm, and 2:00pm. Local businesses participating also include Whittier Farms, Keown Orchards, Eaton Confectioners, Sleighbell Christmas Tree Farm, and many more! The day's festivities conclude at the Sutton Town Common where the Sutton High School band performs to welcome Santa and light the trees on the Sutton Common.
A Visit from Santa Saturday, 12/8/2012, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Meet Santa before he starts the long trek to deliver gifts to the good and boys! Bring your camera!
Christmas Open House Thursday, 12/13/2012, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Take the stress out of gift giving! Join us at the Gallery and let us help you with your Holiday gifts. Enjoy cheese and wine while you find that perfect gift and have it gift wrapped!
Christmas Tea with Santa Sunday, 12/16/2012, 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
The annual Christmas Tea has become a great tradition for both young and old to come together with some great tea snacks, desserts, and a selection of tea and hot chocolate. Each Christmas Tea is held with the holidays in mind. Enjoy a selection of teas and finger snacks with a presentation of "Christmas Through Antique Postcards." Perhaps Santa might even make an appearance during the tea. A lovely afternoon tea is the perfect setting to celebrate the season with family and friends. The menu will include tea, cocoa, punch and an assortment of delectable pastries. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 12 and under. Reservations are required.
Premier Number Weekend Friday, 3/1/2013 - Sunday, 3/3/2013, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Although Vaillancourt chalkware is often thought about during the holiday months, it's during the spring that collectors are able to get the coveted "premier numbers." Vaillancourt Folk Art assigns a number, in the order in which they are painted, for each piece painted in their Sutton studios. These premier numbers are held from wholesale distribution are are made available, along with the opportunity to have them signed and personalized by Judi Vaillancourt, during Premier Number Weekend. The lowest numbers will available for in store customers at the Vaillancourt Gallery starting Friday evening (6pm - 8pm). Phone and Internet orders are filled, according to the order received, with the lowest available numbers on Sunday. We hope that you will enjoy these new designs and treasure your purchase for years to come.
Collector's Weekend 2013 Friday, 4/26/2013 - Sunday, 4/28/2013
Details to come!
Spring Tea Saturday, 5/18/2013, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Details to come!
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