Personal interaction with customers continues to be a challenge in this second spring of the pandemic.
However, a resourceful group of friends has come up with a way to welcome customers into their studios virtually to share their work and process in real time.
Creative Conversations will take place online from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 24 and 25, when artists and attendees can have the kind of in-person experience similar to that which everyone enjoys so much at craft shows.
“All the artists will be in our studios to greet attendees through our virtual booths,” explained Sheila Fernekes, one of the event founders. “We’ll answer questions, share new work up close and in some cases have work in progress to give visitors a behind the scenes look at what goes into creating our work.”
Each day there will be two moderated live conversation segments from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m., each featuring five artists who will chat about their inspiration and process. During each of these segments, visitors have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to use with the artist of their choice by entering their emails into the event chat window.
Event attendees will also be able to easily browse artist websites and take advantage of show specials each artist is offering during the event.
Participating artists include Jerry Bennett, pottery; Karen Caldwell, fused and stained glass; Diana Contine, silver jewelry; Sheila Fernekes, woven bead jewelry: Carol Heisler-Lawson, modern quilting; Bernard Hohlfeld, woodturning; Jeanine Pennell, sculptural pottery; Don Schoenleber, photography; Helena van Emmerik-Finn, pastel and oil painting; and Ellie Wyeth, painted floorcloths.
For information and to join the event go to coveredbridgeartisans.com/creative-conversations.
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