Approximately 80 juried artists and demonstrations by Roycroft Artisans and Master Artisans will highlight the 40th annual Roycroft Summer Festival presented by the Roycrofters-At-Large Association. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 25-26 on the grounds of Parkdale Elementary School, 141 Girard Ave., East Aurora.
Another highlight of the Summer Festival, the Roycroft Goodie Box will be raffled off on Sunday. Tickets for this unique wood bowl with copper top, handcrafted by Roycroft Artisans Brian Newton and David Tundo, will be available for purchase during the Summer Festival. The box, filled with handcrafted items generously donated by Roycroft Artisans, is valued at nearly $6,000.
The free demonstration schedule will feature the following presentations:
Saturday, June 25
• 10 a.m. to noon: Ronald VanOstrand will demonstrate hand chasing and repousse’ techniques on sintered bronze and silver. Objects are mounted on pitch and worked with tooling to create relief and texture on the surface of the metal.
• Noon to 1 p.m.: Marsha Van Vlack will demonstrate hand-carved clay tiles with Arts and Crafts motifs.
• Noon to 1 p.m.: Mary Pratt will demonstrate sculpting in clay and embellishing stoneware vases with her signature Arts and Crafts motifs.
• 1 to 3 p.m.: Ronald VanOstrand will demonstrate hand chasing and repousse’ techniques on sintered bronze and silver. Objects are mounted on pitch and worked with tooling to create relief and texture on the surface of the metal.
• 2 to 3 p.m.: Author Joe Kirchmyer will be on hand to sign copies of his book, “Head, Heart & Hands: Continuing the Handcrafted Tradition of the Roycrofters.” A limited number of books will be available at a special rate of just $10 (tax included).
• 3 to 4 p.m.: Janice Brecht will demonstrate creating sun prints on fabric.
• Margaret Cherre will have a demonstration/participation weaving project in her booth that will be ongoing throughout the day on Saturday.
Sunday, June 26
• 10 a.m. to noon: Kateri Ewing will demonstrate watercolor painting of a bird.
• Noon to 2 p.m.: Linda Nagel Meyer will demonstrate calligraphy on paper, with the opportunity for guests to try their hand at calligraphy.
• 1 to 2 p.m.: Alburn Sleeper will demonstrate chasing and repousse’ of “Early Roycroft Flowers” on metal.
• 1 to 2 p.m.: Bennett Little will do a “Living History” presentation under the entertainment tent on the life of Herb Buffum, the superintendent of the Roycroft Cabinet Woodworkers Shop (circa 1900).
• 2 to 3 p.m.: Patty Cancilla will demonstrate wire wrapping metal wire to create jewelry.
• 3 to 4 p.m.: Janice Brecht will demonstrate creating sun prints on fabric.
• 3 to 4 p.m.: Diane Lehmann will demonstrate piercing and forging copper Ginko leaf earrings.
Food tents and musical entertainment will also be featured throughout the Roycroft Summer Festival.
The Roycrofters-At-Large Association is made up of both artisans and individuals interested in the preservation of the Arts and Crafts Movement. For more information or to become a member, please visit www.ralaweb.com. You can also follow the Roycrofters-At-Large Association on Facebook for frequent updates.
