The 2025 Crafts of Colrain Open Studio Tour returns to Colrain, Massachusetts on November 8–9, celebrating its 22nd year as a premier local arts event. Held every Veterans Day Weekend, the tour features 19 craftspeople and artists opening their studios to the public, offering a unique opportunity to view, experience, and purchase locally made art and crafts directly from their creators.
What is Crafts of Colrain?
The Open Studio Tour is a self-guided experience set amidst the picturesque hills and valleys of Colrain, nestled beneath the Vermont state line and above the Deerfield River. Colrain is recognized as one of the last “undiscovered” corners of western Massachusetts, known both for its natural beauty and its vibrant, tight-knit community of artists. During the tour, visitors wander from studio to studio, encountering a tapestry of creative practices.
Local artists open their studio doors to guests eager to experience the magic of handmade art, observe demonstrations, and purchase unique creations directly from the artists themselves. The event is designed for both casual browsers and serious collectors, with the warm community spirit of Colrain woven into the fabric of every interaction.
Photo credit: Crafts of Colrain Studio Tour
Event Experience and Story
Colrain’s artisans have cultivated a creative enclave, inspired by the area’s rich natural beauty and rooted in the region’s history as a haven for makers. The Crafts of Colrain was founded in 2003 to highlight this vibrant artistry and foster deep ties between local creators and their neighbors. The 2025 tour continues this legacy, featuring familiar faces as well as new talents, with each participant unveiling items made especially for this year’s event—many for the first time.
Participating Artists and Art Types
The 2025 roster features a dynamic mix of crafts, from textiles to woodwork and ceramics to basketry. Notable participants include:
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Al Ladd: Woodworker, celebrated for finely crafted furniture and wooden décor.
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Marilyn Beal: Silk scarves, offering colorful and elegant accessories.
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Gabriella della Croce: Ceramics, whose nature-inspired pottery is both artful and functional.
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Lori Shearer: Fiber artist and herbalist, combining textiles with soothing, plant-based creations.
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Jennifer Kapitulik: Fiber arts, renowned for distinctive rugs and quilted products.
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Cynthia Herbert (Moonshine Designs): Mohair textiles, as well as watercolors and paintings of local scenes.
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Peggy Davis: Calligrapher, specializing in handmade books, wall art, and paper collages.
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Sarah Schoedel: Basketweaver known for studio #15, crafting functional and stylish baskets.
The lineup also includes artisans working in quilting, jewelry, painting, photography, leather goods, home decor, and culinary treats. Many studios will offer demonstrations, engaging workshops, and displays of vibrant hand-dyed wool, candles, and other specialties influenced by the textures and palette of Colrain’s countryside.
Photo: Peggy Davis hand-made clothing
A Celebration of Colrain's Artistry
Crafts of Colrain is more than an art tour—it is a celebration of local culture, a boost for small businesses, and an affirmation of the creative spirit that makes Colrain one of Massachusetts’ most cherished small towns. Whether weaving, carving, painting, or potting, these artists make the practical beautiful and preserve Colrain’s heritage in every piece they display.
Visitors can look forward to a friendly, inspiring, and memorable weekend, surrounded by art, music, good company, and the natural beauty of western Massachusetts.
Learn more at craftsofcolrain.com.
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