Sugarloaf Crafts Festival Back in Chantilly

More than 250 craftspeople from across the country will showcase and sell handcrafted works of art intended to spark the senses during the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival Friday, Jan. 27 through Sunday, Jan. 28, at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. The 14th anniversary of the festival features the theme, “A Sensory Celebration.”

During the festival, jury-selected artists display and sell thousands of works, including functional and decorative pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, wood, metal, furniture, home accessories, photography and fine art. “A Sensory Celebration” spotlights the materials, techniques and non-stop activities that appeal to each of the five senses:

• See – In addition to seeing the finished products, demonstrations throughout the show will offer visitors a chance to see the creative process. Master craftspeople will show their techniques in woodturning, papermaking, copper spinning, metal sculpture and other mediums. The festival also features a large number of artists’ and photographers’ views of nature and exotic locations around the world.
• Hear – Many crafts are made for hearing, from handcrafted musical instruments and wind chimes to twirling mobiles blowing in the wind. The stories behind the artists’ beautiful works are also part of what makes each item special. Other sounds of the show make for fun and pleasurable browsing, including continuous live Jazz by the Potomac Jazz Project trio, solo guitarist Ed Wright and easy-listening piano-jazz.
• Taste and Smell – Gourmet foods contribute to the tastes and smells at the event, products available to sample and purchase from more than 35 small-batch purveyors, including candies and chocolates, hearty soups, artisan breads, jams and dips, syrups and olive oils. In addition, the aromas of organic lotions and soaps, and artisanal potpourri will offer additional fragrances.
• Touch – The festival is considered a “please touch” experience. Sugarloaf Crafts Festival artists invite visitors to peruse the crafts with more than just their eyes – from trying on outerwear and bejeweled accessories to feeling the textures of handcrafted wood and metal home décor. In addition, children can participate in interactive dress-up theater presentations held by Middle Earth Studios.

Hours for the festival are as follows:

• Friday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 29 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Admission, good for all three days, costs $7 when purchased online and $9 at the door. Children under 12 are free.

Free parking is available at the festival. The Dulles Expo Center is located at 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center in Chantilly. For more information, including driving directions and admission discounts, visit www.sugarloafcrafts.com or call (800) 210-9900.