The Waterbury LaSalle Community Association is holding community crafts and arts fair, with some of the proceeds to benefit the superstorm-battered AMVETS Post #38.
The fair will feature local artisans, craftspeople and musicians together at the First Lutheran Church of Throggs Neck on Bruckner Boulevard on Saturday, November 7 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Some of the proceeds from the sales that local artisans make will be donated to AMVETS Post #38 in Throggs Neck.
The post suffered major damage to its waterfront building from Superstorm Sandy and is still struggling to rebuild and get reimbursed by New York State for hefty repairs.
The day promises to be one of variety that will give local creators the chance to showcase their wares, said Mary Jane Musano, WLCA board member.
“We have different kinds of artists, authors and musicians,” she said. “The church also plans on doing a coffee fellowship, and it is just going to be a fun day.”
The featured artists as of press time include three book authors, two acoustic guitar players, two photographers, as well as stained glass, jewelry making, mixed media, embroidery and woodworking artisans.
One of the participants is Musano herself, who is the author of a recently published children’s Christmas picture book called The Littlest Jingle Bell, available from Tate Publishing.
Musano described the theme of the book as a holiday story of perseverance that drew on her experiences working with young children.
A group of artists from Locust Point will also be taking a table said Chrys Napolitano.
She is an embroidery artist who has a number of items she is going to showcase during the sale.
“I am hoping that I can sell at least one piece so that I can donate some money,” said Napolitano, who added that one of the great things about the event is that it encourages artists to show their work and does not ask for any financial commitment other than a donation from a portion of any sales for the damaged AMVETS post.
Many other craft fairs can cost $50 to $200 per table, which can be a large investment and a risk for artists just starting out, she said.
With the holiday season approaching, it is a great shopping opportunity, but it is also more, she indicated.
“It is good opportunity not just to support local artists, but also to do something for out veterans,” she said.
Musano said that post is still in need of funds, adding that they have been turned down by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“They have received little bits of money here and there, but they need more,” said Musano, adding “They deserve it.”
Walter Rau, commander of the post, said he welcomes the efforts of the WLCA, and called it a very nice thing that the organization is doing for the vets.
The post is still waiting on a dispersion of funds from the New York State Dormitory Authority, said Rau.
