The Clarence Arts and Crafts Society History
The Clarence Arts and Crafts Society began back in 1976 when a group of about ten women who knew one another through mutual friendships or their time volunteering with the Town’s Welcome Wagon group, one night at a dinner party decided to put on an arts and craft show with their treasures trove of fine handmade/crafted goods. Toni Marks, a ceramics sh
op owner and Patti Gamin organized the first of many to come art shows at the Clarence Town Park Club House, where at least a dozen tables were filled back in 1976 for their first Summer Show. Known artisans/crafters at the time who joined in the newly organized group “The Original Clarence Arts and Crafts Society”, (Toni Marks, Patti Gamin, Rose Carter, Rose Kunowski, Louise Bennett, Janet Jury) two of which who are still actively involved to this day with the Society and Show are Rose Carter and Patti Gamin. Their first Fall Show held the first full weekend in November and has continued so over the years showcasing juried artisans and crafters with quality products. The Society is a non-profit organization that promotes Arts and Crafts in the community, supported by proceeds from the Society’s Arts and Craft Annual Basket Raffle.
