As we celebrated the 20th Annual Collector’s Weekend, we were touched by the number of collectors that have bonded both with us and each other. This was most telling after seeing the interaction of those who attended the 30th anniversary cruise—to see the photos and hear the stories makes us excited as we prepare for the 2016 trip: England with Dickens (information soon!). The energy during the 2015 Collector’s Weekend, started right at the first painting workshop on Friday and concluding with the final painter putting down her brush Sunday afternoon. This year’s annual Collectors Dinner was quick to sell out, so please be certain to register in January, when registration officially opens! Below are photos from the three days’ events, including updates on the lectures, painting workshop, collector’s dinner and also the events within the retail gallery—which is decorated with inspiration from last year’s 30th Anniversary European Christmas Cruise. Several Kristkindlemrkt stalls have been set-up within the retail gallery displaying German creations—smokers, nutcrackers, pewter ornaments, and even historic German Ornaments made from the vintage moulds that were first used! To all of you who joined us, thank you. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year, but hope to see you well before that! Friday Saturday Sunday Friday, April 24, 2015 9:30am – 4:00pm Painting Workshop 1 Orientation begins promptly at 9:00am. Workshop includes lunch. 6:00pm – 8:00pm Friday Evening at Vaillancourts: Rebekah & Sir Harry! ($10 for non-painting workshop participants) Join us in Blaxton Hall as we kick off the weekend with live entertainment and mingling with collectors from around the country and enjoy the lyrical excellence and music of Rebekah & Sir Harry. Saturday, April 25, 2015 9:30am – 4:00pm Painting Workshop 2 Orientation begins promptly at 9:00am. Workshop includes lunch. 10:00am – 11:00am Katie Parrish: The Rebel Painter 11:00am – 12:00am Steve Martin: Noah’s Ark: The Legend, The Lore, The CATastrophe 2:00pm – 3:00pm Judi Vaillancourt: Christkindlmarkets 7:30pm Annual Reception and Dinner! (Reception starts at 6:30) What some call the highlight of the weekend, the annual dinner has become a popular event for collectors both serious or casual and young or old. Dine with those who share a passion for Christmas and Vaillancourt Chalkware and have the opportunity to be chosen to design your own Santa for the following year’s Collector’s Weekend! For 2015, we will be celebrating the weekend at The People’s Kitchen in Worcester, with the reception taking place in their prohibition style bar, Still & Stir. During dinner, Gary and Judi Vaillancourt will present the European Christmas Cruise which took place during the 30th anniversary celebration in December 2014. Sunday, April 26, 2015 9:00am – 10:00am Collector’s Breakfast Buffet for participants of Painting Workshop – (Reservations Required) 9:30am – 4:00pm Painting Workshop 3 Orientation begins promptly at 9:00am. Workshop includes lunch. Where To Stay Hilton Gardens Inn Worcester is walkable to the reception and dinner – Directions (20 miles, 16 minutes from VFA) Econo Lodge Sutton is close to Vaillancourt Folk Art – Directions (9 miles, 7 minutes from VFA) Looking back at past Collector’s Weekends CW2019 CW2018 CW2017 CW2016 CW2015 CW2014 CW2013 CW2012 CW2011 CW2010 CW2009 CW2008
