Saline Craft Show with two craftsmen from Manchester

submitted by Cheryl Höft, Organizer of the Saline Craft Show

The Saline Craft Show, in its 37th year, is rated one of the top 10 shows in Michigan and 4th nationally according to Sunshine Artist 2024. This annual event will be held at Saline Middle School, 7190 N. Maple Road, Saline, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Once again, over 230 artisans will showcase their latest and most exceptional work, including decorative paintings, stoneware, rugs, birdhouses, Christmas decorating ideas, ceramics, calligraphy and clothing. All these products are designed, manufactured and displayed by the individual artisans and are available at affordable prices. All artists will be present and available to customize and personalize their works.

Two Manchester residents will be among the artists and craftspeople taking part in the exhibition this year: Kristi Morelli and Lori Dickie. Morelli started attending Saline Craft shows last spring, but Dickie has been attending for years. Morelli operates Sugar Me Sweet, selling custom-decorated sugar cookies starting at $4 each, as well as chocolate cake confections, chocolate caramel pretzels, chocolate-covered s’mores, chocolate-covered peanut butter crackers and homemade marshmallows. Dickie and her partner Kristie Niemiec have been attending Saline craft shows since 2014, selling hand-carved and hand-painted wood carvings including Santas, animals, ornaments, candlesticks and many other caricatures. They create new designs for Christmas and Halloween every year.

This exhibition features both crafts and art, from the latest shabby chic style to handcrafted furniture and hand-painted clothing. They travel from 14 states and 158 cities in Michigan, selling their own “one-of-a-kind” handcrafted items and appealing to the hungry shoppers who line up before the doors open to rush to their favorite booth or discover their latest products from favorite artists or Handyman. Thirty-nine New craftsmen will take part in the fair for the first time.

In 2022, this one-day holiday spectacular attracted over 10,000 customers and brought together artisans from across the Midwest, including Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, as well as Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New York and Pennsylvania.

A long-time visitor to the show, Grace Greaves from Manchester, said: “The Saline High Craft Show is a juried craft fair designed to ensure show goers and buyers receive the highest quality, unique and limited edition work for the benefit of both our customers and the school community. The exhibitions of these artisans embody their skills and reflect respect for both the materials and processes used. Their handcrafted products feature original designs that can highlight the beauty of the buyer’s surroundings, whether used at home, in the garden or personally.”

Students from various Saline High School organizations will be present at a concession stand, bake sale and other activities throughout the fair. The youth groups involved have the opportunity to promote citizenship, practice life skills and leadership, and earn money for organized school events. This show benefits student youth groups in the district including Crew, Cross Country, Debate, Swimming team, choir groups, paraprofessionals, baseball and track teams.

Admission to the Saline High Craft Show is $5. This show will once again be held at a building at 7190 North Maple Road, Saline. Due to the high number of people, we ask you not to bring strollers with you. Customers can use the free shuttle bus service, which provides transport from Faurecia (formerly Visteon), selected local businesses and schools. The Saline Central Campus has free parking and is fully handicapped accessible.

The school is easy to find and is within city limits. Directions: Take exit 34 US-23, 6 miles further west US-12, north on Maple, or Exit 175 from I-94, 1 mile south on Ann Arbor-Saline Road, 4 miles south on Maple

If you require more information, please call 734-320-6678, 734-401-4020 or visit us www.salineshows.com

We welcome you to the Saline Craft Show 2024 and hope to see you there!

Thanksgiving cookies decorated by Kristi Morelli! Photo courtesy of Cheryl Hoeft.

Carved creations by Lori Dickie and Kristie Niemiec. Photo courtesy of Cheryl Hoeft.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is editor, writer and founder of Manchester Mirror.