Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild's Annual 5" x 7" Show Turns 10

The first weekend in December is almost upon us, and that can only mean one thing--It's time for the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild's Annual 5" x 7" Show! This show, which has been dubbed "Everyone's Favourite Little Show" has become a Woodstock institution since its inception ten years ago.

While many art collectors try to collect pieces as investments, what's cool about the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild's Annual 5" x 7" Show is that it promotes buying what you like, rather than just a name. The 2008 show attracted more than 220 participating artists, and the roster continues to grow every year.

On the eve of the first Friday in December artphiles line up along Tinker Street in front of Byrdcliffe. After paying their $10 admission fee (the event is a benefit for WBG), buyers receive a number and gain entrance to the Kleinart/James Arts Center gallery in groups to keep the pandemonium at a minimum. Once you're in, you better have pen and paper ready to write down the numbers of your favorite pieces, as they will sell like hotcakes. It's the Olympics of art buying, the only difference is that the spectator is the athlete and no one knows who created the work until it's paid for up front. Every piece sells for $100, and the proceeds go towards all the programs that the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild provides artists and the community. That means for only 100 bucks you can pick up a Milton Glaser, Portia Munson or a Joe Schmo from down the street. No matter, there's something for everyone and it all goes to a great cause. In the words of WBG Executive Director Carla Smith, "This is the most popular show in Woodstock." The 2009 event takes place Friday, December 4 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. and includes a delicious nosh buffet. Don't be left out in the cold, though. Lineup usually starts around 4. For more information, visit http://www.woodstockguild.org/.

Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild 9th Annual 5 x 7 Show "Most Popular Show in Woodstock"

This past Friday evening marked the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild's 9th Annual 5 x 7 Show. Over 200 artists participated, and it was the largest show at the Guild to date.





Check out highlights and hear what attendees had to say:





It was my first show as a participating artist, so I was very pleased that my friends Kate, Terry, and Susannah were all on hand to support me and the other artists.

Kate and I had the pleasure of staying at the Pike Lane Bed and Breakfast on the outskirts of town. The former home of watercolorist John Pike, the B & B was fantastic. Proprietors Adam and Laura Weiss really know how to show their guests hospitality with homemade chocolate chip cookies and a healthy and delicious continental breakfast that included warm fruit scones. Should you want to check it out for yourself, book early since they're always full!

Dessert on Canvas in Woodstock

Well, it’s that time of year again—time for the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild’s Annual 5 by 7 Show. If you can believe it, this is the Guild’s 9th year hosting this little benefit that has become one of the biggest events for artists in the Hudson Valley.

Sponsored by TD Banknorth, WBG’s holiday benefit exhibition kicks off with a preview party tomorrow night, December 5 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. This will be the third time I have had a chance to check-out the cool and unusual art at the Kleinert/James Arts Center and I’m even more excited to see what the show has in store this year. What I do know is that yours truly is fortunate enough to have a piece it in as well.

Apart from the art (that rhymes!), the cool thing about this very special evening is that the majority of the businesses in the village of Woodstock deck their halls making everything all holiday-ish. To top it off, they serve patrons wine, cheese and lots of cheer. Be sure to go to the Guild first because the line for the show always forms early. Once the doors open, you’ll be asked to pay a $10 admission fee. This, of course, benefits the programs sponsored by the WBG. Be sure to bring a pad and pen so that you can quickly, and I do mean QUICKLY write down the numbers of your favorite pieces so that you can make a mad dash to the front of the line to find out which artist--some famous, some not—you’ve bought! More than 200 prominent artists from the Hudson Valley and beyond participate, including Gregory Amenoff, Nancy Azara, Jake Berthot, Donald Elder, Heather Hutchison, Melissa Meyer, Portia Munson, Jenny Nelson, and Joan Snyder. Each piece is only $100. And for the reasonable price, you might just go home knowing you’ve garnered a little treasure and given to a fabulous cause. Be aware, though that all pieces remain at the gallery on display through the month of December.

If you you happen to be lucky enough to snag a room at one of the local B & Bs in Woodstock for the night(check out http://www.woodstockchamber.com/lodging.html for lodging), check out the gorgeous new Byrdcliffe Gift Shop at the Guild on Saturday. There you can find even more artistic offerings from some of the best artisans in the Hudson Valley.