Anticipation

If fall is the time for most of the big art shows and craft fairs, summer is the time for filling out applications for these shows.  We're deep into the paperwork part of the process.  After all these years, some parts have gotten easier; several shows don't require pictures from returning artists, for example.  And because most of them honor our request to get the same spot as in previous years, we can plan our display accordingly, and you can find us more easily, rather than wandering around hoping you see us.

Still, filling out applications and stocking up on product is no substitute for getting out there and meeting our customers in person.  One of the best parts of the business is all the fine folks we get to know.  It's always a pleasure to to see people returning for more soap or lotion, or to see what new wine racks we have.  So keep an eye on this blog, we'll update you as soon as our participation in each of the shows is confirmed.   We look forward to seeing you again.

RRVAA News

We like to mention the River to River Visual Arts Association here, as we are proud members of this organization.  At last night's meeting, we discussed an upcoming show which will be part of a much broader event linking many of the artists and arts organizations here in Southern Illinois.  Details are still being worked out, but we hope to make an announcement shortly.  This event will include an RRVAA show, in which Ruth & John's would take part.  After our very well received show in May at the Varsity Center for the Performing Arts, we look at this as a good follow up.  Check back for more information as it becomes available.

Looking Ahead

We do very few shows in the summer anymore.  When we first started out, we tried to do as many shows as possible, and that included a lot of outdoor shows in the heat of summer.  We finally learned that when the temperature is so high that we have to put the lip balms on ice to keep them from melting, it's really too hot for anyone to buy anything.

So we generally use the summer to build up inventory, to make products for the fall season.  We're looking ahead to all the great shows coming up this fall, and we wanted to give you a peek at what we are anticipating doing come autumn.

Please note that this is a preliminary list, subject to change.  Keep checking back here or on our Facebook page for updated information.    So what follows is a list of the shows we hope to see you at this fall.


Sept. 13-14     Apple Festival
                       Murphysboro, IL

Sept. 21          Downtown Art and Wine Festival
                       Carbondale, IL

Set. 28-29       Rend Lake Art & Wine Festival
                       Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center
                       Whittington, IL

Oct. 5-6          Southern Illinois Irish Festival
                       Turley Park
                       Carbondale, IL

Oct. 19-20      Vulture Festival
                       Makanda, IL

Nov. 2-3         Heritage Festival
                       Southeastern Illinois College
                       Harrisburg, IL

Nov. 9-10       AutumnFest
                       John A. Logan College
                       Carterville, IL

Dec. 5-7         Holiday Craft Sale
                       SIU Student Center
                       Carbondale, IL

If you see us at one of these shows, stop by and tell us you saw it on our blog.  Looking forward to seeing you.