What is Rock 'n' Roll Craft Show?
Rock N Roll Craft Show is the original alternative craft and music event in St. Louis! Since 2005, the organizers of Rock N Roll Craft Show have been gathering the craftiest artists and the rockinest musicians for one great weekend-long event!
The RRCS Mission:
RRCS dedicates itself to showcasing unique, usable items handcrafted from new and recycled materials; these items, including furniture, clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, glassware, magnets, knitware, fine art, etc., are the original creations of local and national crafters and won't be found at traditional shopping venues! The organizers of RRCS are committed to giving all crafters—from the nascent gluer to the established professional crafter—an opportunity to show their wares and make a living at creating! RRCS is also a strong supporter of reusing and recycling; a majority of the items we include in our event are crafted from pre-used/owned materials.
About Us:
Rock N Roll Craft Show is organized and run by 5 local crafters, Sara Arnold, Jessi Cerutti, Sharlene Kindt, Meghan McGlynn, and Nora Vandivort. These women, crafters themselves, are experts in silkscreening, glass etching, glass cutting, knitting, magnet making, shrinky-dinking, jewelry designing, and new and exciting creations of all kinds! Fully committed to the craft movement, Sara, Jess, Shar, Meg, and Nora spend their time gluing, cutting, stringing, and planning… for the next RRCS event! They embody the vision of all young people in STL—to revitalize the city, to put STL on the map, and to make a place for local crafters to be a part of a bigger, national artistic community. When they aren't crafting, you will find them running a local store, freelance graphic designing, going to law school, going to art school, directing a gallery, or just enjoying cocktails at the local bar. The girls of Rock N Roll Craft Show also get by with a lot of help from their friend, Michelle Klund.
Our History:
In 2005, a group of crafty friends desired an opportunity to exhibit and sell their crafted wares. Over many games of poker (and countless glasses of wine), Krista Durlas, Jessi Cerutti, Sharlene Kindt, and Heather Visnesky set to work creating their own show, incorporating a rock n' roll theme with their interest in the burgeoning craft movement. The first show, in October 2005, was an overwhelming success, drawing crowds from all over the St. Louis area. Three new organizers joined the founding members for the June 2006 edition of Rock N Roll Craft Show: Sara Arnold, Meghan McGlynn, and Nora Vandivort. With the lucky number seven dedicated to seeking out and displaying the handiwork of St. Louis' craftiest citizens, the event was a smashing success, featuring over 70 artists and 9 bands, and drawing over 4,000 attendees. This weekend-long event garnered the title of "Best Craft Exhibition in Saint Louis" by the Riverfront Times. RRCS3 proved to be an even bigger event, with the 2006 Rock N Roll Craft Show Holiday Extravaganza… handmade clothing, purses, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, kitchen décor, baby clothing, books, glassware, you name it—a smorgasbord of one-of-a-kind items all hand-made by recycled and new materials adorned the gallery space at the Mad Art Gallery in Soulard. This show was attended by well over 4,000 shoppers, presented 12 bands and 75 crafters. With such a success on their hands, the 7 organizers of RRCS incorporated and set their sites on joining the ranks of the national craft organizations. With this new-found commitment to putting STL crafters on the map, RRCS4 in December of 2007 turned out to be the biggest success yet, with over 6,000 shoppers (despite freezing rain!), 12 bands, and 100 crafters. Lines snaked through the gallery from the moment the doors opened until the event closed Sunday evening…
Onwards and Upwards:
Obviously having outgrown previous venues and in anticipation of the BIGGEST AND BEST RRCS event to date, RRCS5 will be housed at the Third Degree Glass Factory on Delmar Blvd. With twice the space, RRCS5 promises even more artists, more music, and more excitement…. And guests should be sure to take part in the very special VIP shopping day: RRCS 5 RED CARPET BLACK FRIDAY! For $10, shoppers can experience a different side of RRCS: early access to the handmade wares, mingling with the artists, VIP treatment, goodie bags, extra-special musical guests, and much more!
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