(Originally published in blog on 9/20/2008.)

Art and craft shows are a great way to get in touch with the world of handmade products and to meet the people who make them. Many of the artists at these shows are modern day nomads who travel the show circuit on a year-round basis. Their occasional side trips home are working breaks spent in workshops and studios replenishing inventory so they can get back on the road. This is an interesting community and a window into an age-old way of life made modern.

Shows come in every size and flavor imaginable, so you need to get a handle on what does/does not interest you and choose your shows accordingly. I personally work from two sets of criteria depending on whether the show is art or craft oriented.

For art, I prefer open studios. I like to see how an artist works, what tools they use, what their space is like, and such. And there's so much more to see in the studio than at a show the artist had to pack and travel to. If they're packing and schlepping to a show, they're going to take only what they consider "sellable". But there are all sorts of interesting things lying around a studio an artist might be happy to price and sell on the spot. I also enjoy the large international shows because of their broad diversity—of artists, cultures, styles, viewpoints, whatever.

My preference in craft shows is for those that showcase the works of accomplished artisans who make a career of selling whatever wares they produce. I find these shows offer higher quality products overall and participants are often "juried" in, creating a balanced selection of offerings.

I browse the show catalog beforehand, making note of the booths I especially want to visit. Then I pretty much cover the show, breezing through most booths, and lingering in a few. I never feel the least bit compelled to buy something just because I like it. In my view, it's privilege enough being able to admire firsthand something unique and beautiful.

On the other hand, I'm happy to buy the things I have a real use for. And one of my favorite uses for good handmade products is gift giving. There was a time I would buy all of my birthday and holiday gifts at craft shows during the spring and summer months and stow them away in my "gift drawer". Then when it came time to wrap and give, I got to enjoy them all over again. I ought to start doing that again.