by Noella Noelophile®
(Graphic courtesy of Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild, and used with permission.)
Ninety-nine gifted artists and artisans. Music, food, and support of the next generation of crafters.
And all of this by a talented nonprofit group who are having fun growing their creative gifts as they give back to their community.
Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s fifty-sixth annual “Arts and Crafts Fall Faire” is happening next weekend, and you’re invited!
According to Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild President Heidi Bartlett, great artists will be everywhere at the Ken Miller Rec Center that weekend.
“Toyota Meeting Hall, Torino Plaza, Ken Miller Auditorium, East Room, and several will be on the Front Lawn,” Heidi emails.
DJ Ozzie will be on hand, once again, adding a festive sound to the proceedings with some great music.
Now, what might you expect to see from the 99 members of nonprofit Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild who will be participating?
Be sure to look for Jalene Ressegue, proprietor of “Custom Crazy Candy Cakes“.
Where others see candy, she sees an artistic medium.
There’s no actual “cake” involved in her “candy cakes”, which are spectacular works of art.
Here’s my earlier interview with her, about the story of her small business–and be sure to check out her Instagram if you want to be absolutely wowed at her work!
(Royalty-free image by Candace Hunter from Pixabay.)
A roster of talent
While I don’t have specifics of other artists who will be exhibiting, I can make a pretty fair guess.
Before this COVID mess forced me to isolate and admire the work of nonprofit Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild remotely, I never managed to leave one of their shows without:
(Royalty-free image by Raimondas Zavackis from Pixabay.)
- Scented soaps (my total weakness);
- Earrings (dichroic glass is a personal favorite, but you’re likely to find some gorgeous work in silver and crystals);
- Needlework of some type (the patchwork quilts are a favorite!);
- And, of course, at least one Christmas ornament.
And if that isn’t enough to tempt you, you might like to get a look at their Facebook page, as well. Jewel-toned ceramics, cute crocheted cats, scented candles and numerous other treasures are all in their wheelhouse.
(Royalty-free image by Bob Dmyt from Pixabay.)
In the community
Meanwhile, TCG continues their support of the community, with their Meghan Newman Memorial Scholarship program, open to high school seniors annually.
Their website explains that these scholarships are open to Torrance High School seniors interested in the area of arts and crafts, and that scholarship awards vary from $1000 to $2000.
If you have a high-school age crafter in your household, and you’re in the Torrance area, be on the lookout. Applications for the scholarships go out to the TUSD high schools in January. Winners receive their awards in May at the guild’s annual officer installation and scholarship award program.
And by the way, since Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, there’s an additional, and delicious, way that you might like to support them.
They’re currently doing their See’s Candy fundraiser, to support their programs throughout the year. Here’s the link for information.
And if you go to the 56th Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Faire, bring your gift list for Christmas 2025.
You’re almost certain to find something special for all the special people in your life.