By Gabbie Burton
Contributing Writer

Local shoppers looking for unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts this weekend will have the opportunity to support local artists by visiting the Fairville Artisan Fair, which is returning for its 8th show on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairville Friends School in Chadds Ford.

Organized by Chadds Ford-based artist Suzanne Gaadt, the event has become well known for its high caliber of art for sale.

“I call it a highly curated boutique artisan fair,” Gaadt said. “It’s a variety of local, really high quality artisans - everyone from jewelry artists to ceramic artists to fabric and fine artists, and people who make homemade teas and tonics. It has been super popular every year.”

Gaadt explained that the fair is juried and artisans have to apply to get in, making the assortment more curated and selective while still offering a wide variety of items to choose from. This year there are 18 artisans participating and Gaadt’s own artwork will also be on sale at the event. As an artist herself, Gaadt saw a gap in opportunity for local artisans to sell their work and created the Fairville Artisan Fair to address those shortcomings.

“The inspiration for starting it was to really give local fine artists and crafts people a way to sell their art around the holidays [in a way] that they weren't being gouged,” Gaadt said. “Some of these shows charge a lot of money to the artisans to even just get in, $500 or something, and I feel like they’re trying to make money off of the artists and the artists have a really small percentage of net profit.”

Gaadt said her intention is to supply the artisans with a pleasant experience and an opportunity to sell the work they’ve worked long and hard on.

“I really wanted to have an outlet for local artists that wasn’t expensive and give them an opportunity to reach an audience who will be purchasing holiday gifts,” she said.

Shop small, support local artists

The fair doesn’t just benefit the artisans, however. Community members will get to purchase unique, locally made gifts that support artists in the community rather than large corporations.

“I think just about anybody could find a gift for themselves or a gift for relatives and friends for the holidays,” Gaadt said. “I think there's a lot of interest that I’ve heard from people who want to buy local and want to buy from local artists instead of ordering holiday gifts on Amazon or from the big box stores or something, and they’re interested in shopping local, buying local, and that's kind of what we're catering to.”

Gaadt described the benefits of shopping locally for the holidays as “full circle,” from artist to the gift-giver and finally, to the receiver – a full community aspect that brings everyone together.

“I always use the phrase, ‘Come support your friends and your community,’” she said. “This is a way that you can be thoughtful and caring and give a personal gift and support a local friend or artist.”

These unique and handcrafted gifts sell fast at the fair, with some even selling out – including the homemade chocolates and teas in past years. Gaadt recommends that visitors arrive at the Fairville Friends School early to ensure the best experience with the most options and shared her excitement for this Saturday’s event.

“I think it promises to be the best show yet,” she said.

The 8th annual Fairville Artisan Fair will take place on Nov. 22 at the Fairville Friends School, 216 Pond View, Ponds of Woodward, in Chadds Ford, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free.