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Wilton High School's Field House was turned into a showcase for both crafts and crafts making Saturday. Artisans from all over the U.S. came for the 25th annual Fine American Craftsman Show, and among them were Ferris and Maureen Rugar, who brought their handcrafted Windsor chairs. The LaGrangeville, N.Y., couple started F&M Windsor Chairmakers about 10 years ago.
"My wife wanted to learn how to make Windsor chairs and it became an obsession," Ferris said.
Show patrons could buy a chair or bench, and they could also watch as the Rugars made parts of a chair to demonstrate their craft. Ferris said he likes bringing along tools and materials so people know where the chairs come from.
"I like people to know that [the chairs] are handmade and are not from some factory somewhere," Ferris said.
Bill Iacovone of Petals & Peppers did not demonstrate his craft as did the Rugars and some of the other artisans, but he did give out samples of his new Infuse habanero hot sauce. Iacovone, who also sells bags of mixed nuts, dried fruit and candy, believes that with the addition of hot sauce he now offers something for everyone.
"It's a nice little offshoot," Iacovone said. "If you don't like sweet and salty, get something hot."
The craft show is sponsored by Wilton's Historical Society and continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and proceeds help support the Historical Society.
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