There’s a vibrant world of makers shaping beauty from raw materials all around us – jewelers soldering intricate forms in silver and gold, ceramicists pulling vessels from spinning clay, woodworkers coaxing grain into graceful, functional forms, and metalworkers forging texture and strength into every piece.
These artists don’t just make things – they shape experiences. By exploring local craft, you’re not only supporting the hands behind the work, you’re inviting more meaning into your everyday life. These objects fuse beauty and utility. They embroider our lives with romance, tradition, and a little richness.
Whether it’s a hand-thrown mug, a carved spoon, or a necklace made by someone just down the road, fine crafts connect us to place, to process, and to something timeless. Seek them out at markets, galleries, and shows – you might be surprised by the beauty that’s been hiding in plain sight.
One such opportunity is Community Cloth: A Hands-On Introduction to Handweaving, happening Friday, June 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at The Artpothecary in West Rehoboth. This immersive event invites curious newcomers and seasoned craft lovers alike to learn about the art of weaving while experiencing the intricacy of handmade fiber arts up close.
The evening begins with a talk by local fiber artist Rachel Haas, who will share insight into the planning, design, and technical setup involved in floor loom weaving – an ancient process that remains deeply vital and expressive today. Afterward, guests are invited to try weaving for themselves on a floor loom, contributing to a collaborative piece that will later be auctioned to support DAC’s scholarship fund.
Throughout the night, visitors can also explore a mini-gallery of finished textiles, fiber samples, and design materials – a tactile, inspiring space for those looking to begin their own textile journey.
This event is about more than fiber and fabric. It’s about preserving tradition, supporting local creatives, and reconnecting with the passion of process. Handmade objects are not only functional – they carry a certain romance. They elevate the everyday, reminding us to slow down and find meaning in the items we use daily: the perfectly worn-in mug, the hand-stitched pouch, the scarf that seems to tell a story.
These pieces aren’t just made – they’re lived with, passed on, and cherished. Supporting local artisans isn’t just good for the economy; it’s a way to weave more beauty, integrity, and intention into our lives.
If you find yourself inspired by this celebration of local craft, mark your calendar for the Rehoboth Art League’s 52nd Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show, taking place over two weekends: August 2-3 and August 9-10. Held on the League’s wooded campus in Henlopen Acres, just blocks from downtown Rehoboth, the show features over 100 juried artists and artisans from across the country, along with live demonstrations and opportunities to meet the makers themselves.
Together, events like Community Cloth and the Rehoboth Art League’s annual show highlight the deep value of handmade work in a fast-paced, mass-produced world. They help us fall in love again with the objects we live with – and more importantly, with the hands and hearts behind them.
Come be part of the thread that connects art, tradition, and community.
Don’t Miss This
Community Cloth: Hands-On Weaving Night
June 20, 5 to 9 p.m.
The Artpothecary, 37401 Malloy St., West Rehoboth
Watch, learn, and weave. Join local fiber artist Rachel Haas for a live demo and a rare chance to try floor loom weaving yourself.
