Collectors from around the country join us for a weekend at Vaillancourt’s

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sutton, MA — For the 18th year, Vaillancourt Folk Art will be having their annual Collector’s Weekend beginning Friday, April 26th: a weekend full of activities for those who love collections, the holidays, and the fine arts. In addition to the sold out painting workshops—where registrants are able to paint their own Santa at one of three full-day Painting Workshops—Friday Night opening reception—featuring Worcester’s favorite Niki Luparelli and Dan Burke—attendees are also able to attend free lectures from industry leaders.

This year, the free Saturday Lecture Series includes Bethany Lowe (10am), the owner and designer of Bethany Lowe Designs, who discusses the trend of vintage inspirations being reinvented and recreated. Following Ms. Lowe, Alice Watkinson, from Colonial Williamsburg, will be talking about the Christmas Traditions of Williamsburg including how they decorate and prepare for the season. Ms. Watkinson will begin at 11am followed by the final lecture which, beginning at 2:00pm, is a hands on decorating workshop which offers a glimpse into what goes into decorating a retail store.

The highlight of the weekend is the Annual Collector’s Dinner (reservations required). The dinner, which has been hosted at venues like Old Sturbridge Village, is held at Worcester’s Beechwood Hotel. During the dinner, the Collector’s Design Series piece will be introduced with one lucky participant will be chosen to work with Judi to design the 2014 piece. In 2012, Debra Lenhausen from Lombard, IL was chosen and has worked with Judi to introduce this year’s special piece.

Whether a serious collector, casual shopper, or a Christmas enthusiast, participants from around the country have made the annual trek to the Vaillancourt Folk Art studios in Sutton, Massachusetts for a weekend to remember. Reservations are required for most events. For tickets and information, visit CollectorsWeekend.com.

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Contact: Vaillancourt Folk Art has been creating their original hand-painted collectible chalkware from antique moulds in their Sutton, Massachusetts studios since 1984 with a goal of creating that one special gift that will be handed down for generations. Family owned and operated, Vaillancourt products are available at their retail store, on-line, at department stores such as Neiman Marcus, museum gift stores like Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and hundreds of small shoppes. Their Sutton Studio, Museum, and gallery is open daily, Monday through Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 11-5 all year.

Gary Vaillancourt, Vaillancourt Folk Art, 508-476-3601