Annual Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Show Returns for Its Forty Seventh Year

It is a moment to watch, feel, admire, and collect handmade work from across Arkansas while supporting some of the state’s finest craftspeople during the Christmas season. The Annual Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase returns to the State Fairgrounds this weekend, from Friday December 5 to December 7, for its forty-seventh year. More than seventy vendors will offer themed items suited for memories, Christmas gifts, home decor, and much more.

A Long Tradition of Arkansas Craftsmanship

Organizers at the Arkansas Craft Guild and Gallery represent an institution with a long history and strong standing in the state. The Guild was incorporated in 1962 as a cooperative to support and preserve both traditional and contemporary handmade arts and crafts across Arkansas. Today, about 150 fine artists and craft artisans make up its Arkansas based membership. For 60 years, Guild members have had their work juried for quality, design, and craftsmanship. The organization offers a collaborative environment where artisans can refine their skills while building a market for high quality handmade products. The Christmas market is one of the most important events of the year for the Guild.

They offer a strong presence at the Christmas market. For years, they have presented a wide selection of items created by Guild members and their juried guests, including wood carving, pottery, wooden kitchen tools, stained glass, handmade jewelry, lampworked glass bead jewelry, sculpture, garden art, photography, home decor, fabric art, leather work, seasonal edibles, and many other distinctive pieces. Some artisans are also ready to give visitors the chance to discover their inner creator and craft alongside working artists.

Handmade Craft Over Machine Made Cheap Imports

While this is not about supporting or rejecting any political movement, the choice between products made in the United States and cheap imports from China remains a meaningful conversation in Arkansas. And when the work comes from Arkansas artisans, the question becomes even simpler. Supporting craftsmanship in a market crowded with mass produced goods is something worth serious consideration. Organizers emphasize the importance of valuing handmade work over imported items, and the event offers a chance to build real connections between craftspeople and the public.

Speaking to the media, show coordinator Aaron, fiber artist Lee Abernathy, and potter Virginia Healy said they are eager to share the experience of crafting with visitors. Abernathy noted, “All the artisans you meet there are the ones who made the items. These are very special products, future heirlooms, as we like to say.” She added that holiday gifts are best when they are handmade.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early for the widest selection, although vendors will maintain a strong inventory throughout the weekend. The showcase also emphasizes education in craftsmanship and encourages public participation. In a demonstration, Abernathy showcased the process of spinning wool into yarn, giving attendees a glimpse into the history and artistry of the craft. “It is like magic,” she said as she transformed fiber into yarn. That sense of magic continues when it inspires people to select Arkansas made gifts for the holiday season.

Event Details and Admission

The three day showcase begins on Friday, and hours vary each day. On December 5 it runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On December 6 it is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On December 7 hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The showcase also features an After Hours Special with free admission from 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday and an Early Bird Shopping hour with free entry from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday. Tickets are five dollars per person or two for five dollars with the Guild postcard or a photo of it. Free parking is offered behind the gated fencing.

For More details:

47th Annual Christmas Showcase Dec. 5-7 at the State Fairgrounds, Little Rock

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