Unique Showcase Of NH Craft Guilds Opens At League Of New Hampshire Craftsmen

CONCORD, NH — For nearly a century, the League of NH Craftsmen has worked to preserve craft traditions, support artisans, and foster artistic growth. But this journey has not been solitary.

Craft guilds — groups centered around specific media — have long been vital partners in nurturing community, skill-sharing, and creativity. For the first time ever, the Together in Craft exhibition gathers together information about nine regional guilds who welcome everyone from emerging makers to seasoned experts and represent a passionate, engaged network of creators.

From traditional forms like hooked rugs and woven baskets to contemporary photography and beading, the work on display in this exhibition reflects technical mastery, personal storytelling, and artistic vision. “We want to shine a spotlight on these amazing organizations that are a vital part of the creative community in our state and beyond,” states League Executive Director Kate Saunders, “The League has grown up alongside these guilds and it’s incredibly meaningful to feature them in our space.”

The participating guilds each have a vibrant history and active membership:

• The NH Weavers Guild (est 1938) promotes education through extensive workshops and exhibitions.
• The NH Potters Guild recently built a new community wood-fired kiln in Deerfield and hosts an annual Empty Bowls fundraiser.
• Northern Lights Quilt Guild serves the Upper Valley, and blends traditional and modern quilting while providing comfort quilts to those in need.
• Soo-Nipi Quilters Guild offers day meetings, online programs with national experts, and regional outreach.
• The Northeast Basketmakers Guild spans New England and New York, offers regular retreats and has many regional educators within its membership.
• The Guild of NH Woodworkers has over 750 members who contribute through extensive education and community service programs.
• White Mountain Woolen Magic represents rug-hooking, one of the League’s founding crafts and offers regular ‘learn to hook’ events.
• The New Hampshire Center for Photography recently completed a multi-year project with the New Hampshire Historical Society, resulting in the publication of “New Hampshire Now, A Photographic Diary of Life in the Granite State.”
• The Bead Society of NH celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026 and hosts biannual retreats as well as social and community events.

“There is so much we share with these groups,” Saunders added, “We’re proud to celebrate their creativity, dedication, and the vibrant traditions they keep alive. More than ever, we need to lean in to each other and celebrate the crafts that bind us together.”

Opening Reception And Gallery Hours

Following a public opening reception on June 12th from 4-7 pm, this special exhibition will be available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Headquarters’ Exhibition Gallery location at 49 South Main St. in Concord. The exhibition will be on view until the beginning of August, when you may visit both League and Guild members at the Annual Craftsmen’s Fair held at the Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, Aug. 2 to Aug. 10. Guild partners will be demonstrating throughout the event and are happy to engage with guests about their craft and their organizations.

About The League Of NH Craftsmen

The League of NH Craftsmen is a non-profit, craft education organization. Its mission is to advance, cultivate and champion excellence in fine craft. The League pursues that mission through educational programming, leadership initiatives, marketplace strategies and support services.

The League represents the signature of excellence in fine craft, through the work of its juried members, and its rigorous standards for self-expression, vision, and quality craftsmanship.

For more information about this exhibition and the League of NH Craftsmen, call 603)-224-3375, email nhleague@nhcrafts.org or visit nhcrafts.org.

Submitted by the League of NH Craftsmen