“Be natural my children. For the writer that is natural has fulfilled all the rules of art.” On February 7th, 1812 Charles John Huffam Dickens, was born in Landport, England. Raised in the tough working-class conditions, including working at a blacking factory after his father was thrown into a debtor’s prison, Dickens’ experiences have said to [...]
Holiday season a fine time to visit Vaillancourt Folk Art Studios, maker of distinctive chalkware figuresBy Chuck D’Imperio, Special to the Times UnionFor a Dickens of a Christmas this year, it’s hard to beat Vaillancourt Folk Art Studios in Sutton, Mass.Vaillancourt, an hour west of Boston, is a premier shopping destination for the legendary Christmas ornament [...]
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 [...]
When asked by Colonial Williamsburg in December 2011 to design a piece that represents the famous Chocolate shop at Colonial Williamsburg, Judi knew exactly where to turn. The scholastic School Master bunny had a shape and general outfit that would fit the part of a chocolatier well. Knowing that the piece was not a perfect [...]
Although many of the 2011 Vaillancourt Chalkware pieces are designed in groupings, like the Santa in Sleigh and Reindeer, often we have found that collectors have mixed-and-matched with extraordinary design results. Take, for instance, when you combine the eight tiny Reindeer, with Leroy, along with the Santa with Tree. Instead of the traditional Santa and [...]
Why does Christmas get to have all of the fun? This Halloween, show the spirit of the holiday by decorating your tree for the spookiest of Halloweens! This Fall, Vaillancourt Folk Art has brought in special Old World Christmas ornaments, including Spooky Kitty ($8.99), Batty Bat ($9.99), and the Witch on Broomstick ($13.99). Decorate frightfully [...]
Chocolate & Valen-Wine Pairings Friday, 2/10/2012, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Forget the typical romantic dinner. Surprise your loved one with a chocolate and wine pairing as Vaillancourt Folk Art takes you through the history of chocolate, the moulds used to create the tasty treats, and how they have been used today to start traditions. In addition, see the 2012 Valentine Santa in person! A portion of every ticket will benefit the Sutton Food Pantry. Limited availability, please call to order your tickets.
Premier Number Weekend Friday, 3/2/2012 - Monday, 3/5/2012
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. 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.
Designer Craftsmen Show of Greater Philadelphia Friday, 3/9/2012 - Sunday, 3/11/2012
The Designer Craftsmen Show celebrates the most time honored American craftsmen in the nation, featuring the highest quality in fine art, traditional crafts, contemporary folk art, museum quality replicas, original artworks and fine furniture reproductions. Sponsored by: Old-House Journal
17th Annual Collector's Weekend Friday, 4/27/2012 - Sunday, 4/29/2012
Collector's Weekend is an excuse to escape the real world and join like-minded people that share an affinity to Christmas, traditions, and their love of Vaillancourt Chalkware. Since the first Collector's Weekend in 1996, Collectors--both serious and casual--have made the annual trek to the Vaillancourt Studios in Sutton, MA for a weekend where they can paint their own Santa under the guidance of the Vaillancourt Artists, enjoy educational lectures, or just enjoy the weekend in our Gallery where limited edition pieces are introduced with the lowest production number available. Many collectors come simply to attend the reception and Annual Collector's Weekend Dinner, where they can converse with others passionate about chalkware, Christmas, and traditions.
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
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens, his great-great grandson, Gerald, is touring the country in a similar manner as Charles performing and reading selected works. To kick off his tour, Gerald Charles Dickens will be returning to a venue that Charles Dickens himself once performed, Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA. More information to come shortly! Sponsored by: Vaillancourt Folk Art
Country Folk Art Festival Friday, 9/21/2012 - Sunday, 9/23/2012
Formerly managed by Lee and Judy Marks for 28 years! This is a specialized show limited to Folk Art and reproductions of antiques and traditional American Crafts. The Country Folk Art Festival has a 28 year history as a successful venue for exceptional American Craftsmanship. Art of the Heartland, Inc. has recently taken over the operation of this show and plans to continue the care and excellence that has gone into this show for so many years. Art of the Heartland, Inc. is family owned and operated. Robin, her husband Keith and their five children and spouses all work hard to run very organized and professional shows. Art of the Heartland, Inc. has been promoting various art and craft shows for over 25 years. Autumn on the Fox during the St. Charles Scarecrow Festival is our largest show with 170 booths and an attendance of 65,000. Sponsored by: Art of the Heartland
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
Chocolate and Hallow Wine Pairing Friday, 10/12/2012, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
As antique chocolate moulds, among other confectionery types, are used to create our Chalkware pieces, we thought it fitting that we host a Chocolate and Wine pairing at our Studios and Gallery. The Chocolate and Wine Tasting will feature several different styles and flavors of wines and chocolates stationed throughout our Studios and Gallery. Each station will provide information on both the chocolates and wineswith a Vaillancourt Folk Art twist! Order Tickets
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.
Annual Starlight Opening Friday, 11/2/2012 - Sunday, 11/4/2012
Each year Judi Vaillancourt designs a special Starlight Santa. This Santa is only produced for one year, then it is retired on Christmas Eve. A portion of the proceeds from it are donated to the Starlight Children's Foundation to purchase Fun Centers for local pediatric units. The 21st annual Starlight piece will be available May 1st, with the lowest numbers being offered at the Starlight Opening and will remain in production until it is retired on Christmas Day.
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.
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
An Evening of Shopping Thursday, 11/15/2012, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Join us at the Vaillancourt Folk Art Gallery as we help you with your Holiday gifts. Enjoy cheese and wine while we help 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 Vaillancourt Folk Art 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. Business include: Vaillancourt Folk Art, 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. More information on entertainment and sales at Vaillancourt Folk Art will be announced shortly.
An Evening of Shopping Thursday, 12/13/2012, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Join us at the Vaillancourt Folk Art Gallery as we help you with your Holiday gifts. Enjoy cheese and wine while we help you find that perfect gift and have it gift wrapped.
Christmas Tea with Santa Sunday, 12/16/2012, 3:00 AM-4:00 AM
The annual Christmas Tea has become a great tradition for both young and old to come together with some great tea sandwiches, 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 reading of Clement C. Moores 1832 story of Twas the Night Before Christmas. Perhaps he 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.
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