2012

We are already looking forward to our upcoming shows in the new year. Though all of these are tentative at this point, these are all shows we have done in the past, so we can reasonably expect to return this year. Among them (and this is not an complete list) are Makanda Fest, the Carbondale Wine & Art Festivals in May and October, the Murphysboro Apple Festival, Vulture Festival in Makanda, the Shawnee Hills Wine & Art Festival in Cobden over the Labor Day Weekend, Heritage Festival in Harrisburg, AutumnFest at John A. Logan College, and the annual Hoiliday Craft Fair at the SIU Student Center (whew!). We are also working with a new arts group to start up a new art fair this October in conjunction with Colorfest, so keep an eye out for that.

We are also looking at some projects to improve our service to you. Tops among these is a web site. We've been talking about this for several years, and I think now it's time. So stay on the lookout for an announcement coming (I hope) soon.

And, in the meanwhile, go on over to Ruth&Johns on Facebook and keep up with our events. Remember, if you can't wait until our next craft show or art fair, you can get Ruth's products at Town Square Market at 106 E. Jackson St. in Carbondale, or at Cindy's Country Store on the square in Vienna, IL. John has wine racks and accessories at two local galleries, Dayshift in Carbondale (next the Cellar) and at Village Art & Gifts in Cobden, IL, next door to Anthill Gallery.

Still can't get what you need? Drop us an e-mail at Ruthandjohns@gmail.com and let us know what you're looking for. Now is an especially good time for special orders, since the craft fair season is pretty slow right now.

Thanks for your continued patronage, and we look forward to seeing you in 2012.

Village Arts & Gifts

A new gallery opened in Cobden in October, and now some of John's wine racks are in there. Village Arts & Gifts is at 100 N. Front St. in Cobden, next door to Anthill Gallery. The shop, owned by Rick and Joan Ball, is open Wednesday through Sunday, and has a wide selection of varied and well made pieces by local artists. Stop by when you get a chance and see what they have to offer.

Christmas Ornaments at Dayshift

Dayshift in Carbondale is having a Christmas ornament sale tomorrow, 10:00a - 6:00p. John has made some wooden ornaments for you, or you can choose from other contributions from some of Southern Illinois' best artists. Stop by the store and see what they have.

SIU Holiday Craft Sale

We're heading to the Holiday Craft Sale at the SIU-Carbondale Student Center. Easily one of the best shows of the year, and right in our back yard.

Thursday, Dec. 1 10-5
Friday, Dec 2 10-5
Saturday, Dec. 3 9-4

Look for us in our usual spot at the bottom of the escalator. Lots of new soaps and wine racks. See ya there!

AutumnFest

AutumnFest this weekend at John A. Logan College in Carterville, Illinois. Saturday 9:00a-4:00p and Sunday 10:00a-4:00p. This is one of the best shows of the year, over 120 artists from around the area, and the level at this show is higher than any other we do. This is a great opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done. Not only that, when you get a gift from a local artist, you get to meet the person who actually made it. Come on out and see us, we'll be set up in our usual spot in the cafeteria.

Heritage Festival

Look for us at Southeastern Illinois College just east of Harrisburg, Illinois, at the Heritage Festival this weekend. The school is jam-packed with arts and crafts, the hallways so tightly packed you can barely squeeze through. That's why we will be set up in the gym, where there's plenty of space.

Saturday, 9:00p - 4:00p
Sunday, 10:00p - 4:00p

Carbondale Downtown Art & Wine Fair

Saturday, October 1 is the latest installment of the Carbondale Downtown Wine & Art Fair. This semi-annual event has grown better every time, and we are proud to have been in it from the start.



Lots of talented artists from the region, several local wineries, and of course, Ruth & John. This looks to be another great event, so come out and have a good time with us.

Southern Illinois Irish Festival

Join us this weekend at Turley Park in Carbondale, Illinois, for the Southern Illinois Irish Festival. Formerly held in the spring, it has been moved to October this year in hopes of getting better weather.


Ruth has lots of new soaps, a Triple-Citrus lip balm, and a whole line of scent-it-yourself products. John has several new wine racks, and may have a naughty bottle holder that you will have to see to believe.

This weekend, Turley Park in Carbondale. We'll see you there.

Illinois Wine & Art Festival

Fall is the high season for craft fairs and art festivals. Southern Illinois is fortunate to have such a large number of gifted, dedicated artists providing a plethora of hand-crafted works for the public.

Some of the best of these artists can be found this weekend at the Illinois Wine & Art Festival at the Illinois Artisan's Center at Rend Lake.



We have been a part of this show for several years, now, and always enjoy getting out to see what all the different artists have brought this time around. This is a show with a very high level of art, with some of the most creative pieces you will find in the area. In addition, you have all the wineries from around the state gathered together in one place, giving you a chance to try wines from someplace off of your usual path.

Stop in and say hello, and if you would, mention that you read this blog or our Facebook page. We love the feedback, and it helps us better serve our customers.