American Fabric Arts Hosts 7th Annual Open Studios

Online, October 28, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The American Fabrics Arts Open Studios, now in its 7th year, is one of the most eagerly anticipated art events in Bridgeport.

On Saturday and Sunday, November 10th & 11th, the artists will open their doors to the public from 10am - 5pm. During this time, the public is invited to visit the artists, explore their studios, and purchase their work. The historic re-purposed American Fabrics Arts building is located at 1069 Connecticut Avenue in Bridgeport, CT and previously housed the American Fabrics Company which was founded in 1909.

AFA Open Studios has been drawing crowds from the tri-state area on an annual basis. Walking from studio to studio, you will find families learning about the art and artists to serious art collectors interested in adding to their collections. The weekend event will showcase more than 24 artists and crafts people in their studios. The diverse community includes painters, illustrators, commercial and fine art photographers, sculptors, jewelry designers, quilters, and more. In addition, there will be a variety of demonstrations throughout the weekend, such as printing demonstrations by Emily Larned on her vintage printing press; pottery throwing demonstrations by Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong; and laser wood-cut demonstrations by Neil Pabian. All of the artists will be on hand to speak about their work and their process.

One of the annual events during the Open Studios is the Denyse Schmidt Quilts Annual Sample Sale held on the 4th floor. Guests will find samples and overstock items from the DS Couture collection, Works collection, and one-of-a-kind studio quilts which are priced at 50% off retail list price. In addition, she will be hosting a quilting demonstration and bee on Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm, by members of Peace by Piece: the Norwalk Community Quilt Project. The Norwalk Community Quilt Project seeks to enhance the lives of young people and elders in the city of Norwalk by bringing them together in a common endeavor.

Some other highlights of the weekend include, Ulla Surland's Annual Small Works Show, featuring artwork for $150, as well as a selection of jewelry, ceramics and textiles. Surland, an interior designer in Fairfield, uses the studio as an office and working space for her boutique which is located in Fairfield on Unquowa Road. Additionally, the AFA ART RAFFLE returns to the event. The raffle gives guests the chance to win arts and/or crafts from tenants in the building, when they enter their email address or home address on a raffle ticket. Some of the items that will be raffled off include a gift certificate to a Denyse Schmidt Improvisational Patchwork Workshop valued at $350; a custom handbag from Artbags by Debora Crichton; a one-of-a-kind Krochet Kritter by artist, Janine Brown; or a "mystery handmade pen" from Wooden Ages. The AFA FREE ART RAFFLE prizewinners will be drawn on Sunday, Nov. 11th at 5pm, on the 4th fl. You do not have to be there to win.

The AFA Open Studios are generously sponsored by Westrock Development, LLC. and the Bridgeport Arts Trail.

For directions to the building and more information about the artists, visit the website at www.amfabarts.com. Admission and ample onsite parking are free. For more information about the event please call, Debbie Crichton at 203-894-1018.