Lewes, Del. -- If artisan craft shows could have a theme The Lewes Historical Society's July 14 Craft Fair at the society's Historical Complex, 110 Shipcarpenter Street would be called "One of a Kind."

According to Craft Fair Chairman Chris Besche, "This year's event promises to be one of the most diverse and impressive cross-sections of professional artisans to exhibit their crafts." She said that, "the focus of the juried show is one of a kind crafts and that both traditional and contemporary items will be exhibited."

About 80 craft artists from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York and other neighboring states have registered to display their work at the Craft Fair. Gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Historical Complex. Admission is $3 and all proceeds benefit the Lewes Historical Society.

Besche said that the diversity of crafts include hand-woven Nantucket style lightship baskets by David Burns of Denver, Pa. and blown sculptural glass by Justin Cavagnaro of Dagsboro. Other craftspeople include Lisa Kovatch of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia ad her richly colored earthenware pottery in "unassuming shapes."

Other craft items on display will be the marquetry art of Jeffry Nelson of New Windsor, N.Y., hard-shelled gourds dyed and enhanced with natural materials created by Susan Nonn of Elk Mills, Maryland and the decoupage vintage furniture by Jane Pifer of Tilgman, Md.

Besche said that these artists have participated in previous shows but that several newcomers have also been accepted to participate. They are Erika Rubel of Brentwood, Md. who uses wood and recycled materials to create functional wall art; Peter Saenger of Newark, Del. who produces porcelain tableware and Dana Simson of Salisbury, Md. who designs shadowboxes with imagery based on boats and hand built molds. Finally, the original designs and hand cut and sewn leather handbags by David Walker of Parkton, Md. is bound to appeal to many Craft Fair goers.

The day will feature live entertainment by the popular bluegrass band Bitter Creek of Easton Md. Refreshments, sandwiches and baked goods will be available throughout the day. For information contact the Lewes Historical Society, 645-7670.

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