By MARY CARTER
Eagle Times Correspondent
CLAREMONT, NH — Wondering what to get for loved ones on your holiday list? Problem solved. On Saturday, Nov. 25, the John D. Bennett Atrium at the Claremont Opera House will be the stage for a one-stop, spectacular artisan marketplace.
From noon to 3 p.m., the Claremont MakerSpace will host its third annual offering of handcrafted treasures. These unique items will include linocut prints, original art, laser cut wall hangings and standout ornaments. Household items, woodcrafts, uniquely embellished clothing, textiles, eye-catching copper works and jewelry will also be available.
In addition, the atrium, full stage and orchestra floor area will be adorned with paintings, prints and card art created by regional artists Sarah Breisch, Rachel Nelson Dirk, Allison Zito, Fallon Lavertue and Christine Hawkins.
Longtime board member and Opera House supporter Christine Hawkins will be arranging the gallery.
“It’s fabulous to have these connections with and for the community,” said Hawkins.
The market is free to attend and open to the public.
Food and wine
Following the artisans market, the atrium and stage will be set for a seasonal food and wine pairing presented in partnership with the Claremont Growers Collective. With a mission to “revitalize the local food system by cultivating an educated, engaged and diverse community of producers, vendors and consumers,” the Claremont Growers Collective is 45 members strong and growing. Some members of the Collective will also be participating in the market.
Chairman Shawn Walch is thrilled by this opportunity for the Collective to showcase their talents at the Claremont Opera House.
“By being in such a revered venue, it legitimizes what we’re doing,” said Walch.
Walch did not grow up in a farming household. His agricultural world began by raising a few chickens. As did many others, Walch focused on local sustainability during the pandemic. A partnership with Claremont’s Winter Street Farm introduced Walch to vegetable farming.
“Quality soil for quality food,” Walch said. This, in part, led to the formation of the Growers Collective.
“The world is smaller than it used to be,” he said. “But instead of relying on faceless Amazon, why not give your neighbors and local artisans a chance?”
For the Nov. 25, market and tasting events, savories and treats will be made available by: Bardo Farm of Croydon, Bascom Farm of Charlestown, Bascom Road Blueberry Farm of Newport, Beaver Pond Farm of Newport, Brian’s Vermont Apiaries of Windsor, Cat Swamp Farm of Unity, Clover Meadow Farm of Claremont, Eccardt Farm of Washington, NH, Gowen’s Tamarack Farm of Alstead, Hilltop Farm of Claremont, Imperfect Pasta of Springfield, VT, Mill Bridge Farm of Meriden and Taylor Brothers Creamery, also of Meriden, NH.
Pairing wines and spirits will be supplied by Pine State Beverage New Hampshire and the Stone Fence Beverage Company. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be offered.
Admission to the Nov. 25, wine pairing event from 4 to 6 p.m. is $15. Guests must be 21+ years of age. The Claremont Opera House is located at 58 Opera House Square, Claremont, NH. Opera House Gold and Bronze level members can attend for free.
For more information about this engaging holiday happening, or how to become a member of Claremont’s opera house, visit COHNH.org or call 603-542-4433.
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