The “Made in America Trade Show” (“MIA”) is proudly produced by Gifford Events and is motivated by a strong desire to support American artists, artisans, entrepreneurs and our Veterans. They kick off the first year by partnering with the Fisher House Boston, “To ease the burden of our Veterans and their families during difficult times. To serve those who have served.” This hybrid Trade Show is open to all. Saturday morning, November 23rd will begin with a private designer & retailer show before opening the doors to the public.  MIA will feature: metals, wood, glass, photography, food, fine art, and more in open exhibits, hands-on displays, inspired vignettes, and live demos. The event will also feature live bands, artisan demos, and on-stage performances. The event continues through Sunday evening, November 24th.Northshore magazine is proud to be a sponsor of this event. Here is a look at some of the talented exhibitors who will be displaying and selling their wares at the event.
Forrest Bonney, Handcrafted Furniture, has been building early American furniture in his shop for the last 35 years. But, began building furniture, especially Windsor chairs, full-time when he retired from his job as a biologist in 2009. Many Windsor chairs have been around since the late 1700’s. The secret to their longevity? According to Mr. Bonney, it isn’t the glues that were used; today’s glues are stronger by far. And it isn’t due to metallic fasteners, which simply weren’t used at all. Rather it’s due to an intimate knowledge of the woods and techniques used in their construction. The wood for the turnings and bent chair parts are split (or “rived”) rather than sawn, following the grain and assuring a stronger product for its size. Thus, spindles and legs are thin and delicate, yet strong enough to withstand day to day use for decades. Also, joints are assembled using green wood technology, which means that tenons (the ends of spindles and legs) are dried to attain their minimum size, but the mortises (the holes into which they fit) are green, allowing them to shrink around the tenons as they dry so that they will not come apart. fbhandcraftedfurniture.com
Judy Forty of Alpine Angels, goat’s milk soaps. Judy Forty’s story with as a little girl’s dream of owning a black and white cow. In July 2000, for her daughter’s ninth birthday, she bought two Alpine goat kids, Dasey and Nellie. In April of 2002, the family’s first goat’s kids were born on the farm, supplying them with gallons of milk. Little did she know that with 6 cups of goats milk, a book on soap making, the necessary supplies, and a kitchen sink, a soap business would be born. “Alpine is the goat; Angel is the little girl that loves them.” alpineangelssoaps.com
Marilyn Swift, watercolors. A painter for more than thirty years, Swift uses watercolor to clearly and powerfully express her response to whatever subject captures her attention. A New England native and a Gloucester resident for over half her life, Swift’s inspiration comes from painting outdoors, en plain air. Her subject matter includes landscapes, seascapes, beaches, boatyards, gardens, and the people in them. She paints realistically, depicting only what is of particular interest to her, simplifying and editing continually. Capturing the essence of what inspires Swift to paint is far more important to her than the details. Life is full and rich and varied, as are her paintings. marilynswift.com
Visit these vendors and dozens of others at “Made in America” on November 23 and 24 to see them in person and purchase the items for your home.
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