Produced by Maine Crafts Association in partnership with Maine Made, Maine Craft Weekend is a statewide tour of Maine's craft artist studios, businesses, and special events. The weekend is an educational, community-oriented, family-friendly event welcoming the public to explore and celebrate the lives and work of craft artists in Maine. This year’s dates are Saturday, Oct. 7 and Sunday, Oct. 8.

This self-guided tour features participants from all over the state, opening their doors for the public to get a behind-the-scenes look into their dynamic workspaces, host pop-up markets, have demonstrations, hands-on activities, and more! Weekend attendees can plan their routes by searching the website (mainecraftweekend.org), by location, type of event, medium, and day and find their stops along the map.

Locals and visitors to Maine are encouraged to make it a full and fun weekend by planning a route to several events. Peruse a craft show, visit with their favorite artist in their home studios, swing by a brew pub for lunch, or explore a partnering hub of activity, a featured city! In 2023, they include Belfast, Biddeford, Ellsworth, Freeport, Gardiner, and Monson. Examples of participating sites include individual potters’ home studios, craft galleries, glass-blowing studios, outdoor installation sites, non-profit craft organizations, craft-based schools, and craft beer breweries. Events will vary by type of location and include open studios, demonstrations, tastings, exhibitions, sales, tours, kids’ projects, and other creative and interactive activities.

In Boothbay Harbor, J Schatz at 378 Lakeside Drive, is holding an open studio both days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come to the barn at Powder Hill Farm and be inspired by modern ceramic bird products, lighting, objects, art, and tableware.

Gov. Mills presented the Maine Crafts Association, in partnership with Maine Made, a Maine Tourism Award for Collaboration at the Governor’s Conference for Maine Craft Weekend.

For more information email Simonne Feeney, MCA Programs Manager, simonne@mainecrafts.org or visit www.mainecraftweekend.org.