New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival Announces 2016 Winners

The Annual New Hope Juried Arts & Crafts Festival was held on a beautiful weekend - September 24 and 25, 2016 - with over 160 local and national artists and craftspeople.

The impressive list of judges included representatives from the James A. Michener Art Museum and the Oscar Hammerstein Museum who selected Best of Show - Josh Axelrod Photography from Roxbury, Vermont - and many First, Second, Third Place and Honorable Mention Winners (see list below.)

Sharon Flanagan, coordinator of the Festival, was thrilled to see photography win. She said, "We were honored to have such outstanding talent participate in this year's festival and it is rare to have photography be named 'Best of Show'. I am thrilled for Josh."

Held at New Hope Solebury High School, this family event had a special surprise performance by the cast of "Vocalosity," the all-new music concert that launched its national tour at Bucks County Playhouse through October 2, 2016. Sponsors of the festival were Penn Community (formerly First Federal of Bucks County) and Bucks County Playhouse.

The New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival attracts artisans from states along the east coast and thousands of visitors. Artists and craftspeople include specialists in oil painting, pastels, watercolors, drawing, etching, mixed media, black and white and color photography, soft and hard sculpture, wood turning and rustic furniture, pottery and glassware, wearable art, leather and fabric handbags, handspun and felted clothing and jewelry - including hand-blown glass beadwork as well as precious and semi-precious metals and stones. Prizes are awarded in six different categories: crafts, fine arts, fiber, jewelry, mixed media and photography.

For more information, visit www.NewHopeArtsandCrafts.com or email newhopeartsandcrafts@gmail.com.

List of Winners and Judges:

Best In Show
Josh Axelrod - Josh Axelrod Photography Photography

1st Prize Winners
Crafts: Patricia Tolton - P2 Ware Art Tile
Fine Arts: Phillip Singer Paintings
Fiber: Nelly Kouzmina - Feltinelli
Jewelry: Douglas Brandow - Deep Rock Mining Co
Mixed Media: Teri Oja - Teri Oja Thread Painting
Photography: Derek Mohr

2nd Prize Winners
Crafts: Roland Paronish - Roland Metal Art
Fine Arts: Elizabeth Andrews - Elizabeth Andrews Studio
Fiber: Kathy Dinsmore - The Wandering Vine
Jewelry: Regina Ewer - Regina Marie Designs
Mixed Media: Alexandra Sydovenko
Photography: Duncan Hall

3rd Prize Winners
Crafts: Rachel Calderin - Burning Branch Studio
Fine Arts: Gale Scotch
Fiber: Teri Nalbone - Fiber Arts
Jewelry: Tonya Perri - Tonya Lov Jewelry
Mixed Media: Megan Stein & Werneke McCook
Photography: Scott Krycia

Honorable Mention
Fine Arts: Susan Somerton -Xray Artistry
Fiber: Pamela Irwin - Modern Tatting
Jewelry: Toby Slawski Designs
Mixed Media: Megan McCook and Steve Werneke
Crafts: R Michael Heon

2016 Judges

Judges for Prizes for the 2016 Arts & Crafts Festival included:
JoAnne Eisenberg, Jewelry Maker and Owner of Flirt by JoAnne Eisenberg
Louise Feder, Assistant Curator, James A. Michener Art Museum
JoAnn Goodwin, Fine Art Painter
Wendy Gladston, Professional Photographer
William Hammerstein, Executive Director of Oscar Hammerstein Museum
Lisa Tremper Hanover, Director & CEO, James A. Michener Art Museum
Billy O'Connor, Owner, Wessel + O'Connor Fine Art Gallery
Wendy Paton, Award-winning American photographer
Christine Ramirez, Exhibition Specialist with New Hope Arts
Michael Ross, Designer/Artist
David Witchell, Owner, David J Witchell Salon & Spas and Boutiques
Laura Womack, Owner of From the Hand
Link to 2016 Judges Bios

Pictured: Best of Show goes to Josh Axelrod Photography of Roxbury, Vermont