We recently received a letter from a Fair exhibitor that we  have to share, especially now as volunteers are beginning to review materials from artisans applying to demonstrate and exhibit at the Sixty-Ninth Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit, October  5-7, 2012.  

"So often we take the time from our busy schedules only to complain about something in our lives that we don't like. I'm taking the time now to say how very special to me has been my participation in the Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit as a juried crafts demonstrator for many years.

"What a special, special place Waterford, Virginia, is! No place is perfect, but to my mind Waterford is close--not only because of how beautiful and quaint it is, but also because of the people who live there. When one looks through the comprehensive booklet you give each person coming to the Fair, one can get somewhat of an idea how many people are needed to make this weekend happen. The level of participation year after year is unbelievable!

"I have always appreciated all the attention to details that make everything run so smoothly, beginning with the letters sent to applying potential demonstrators with the clear-cut dates to the follow-up informative letters of acceptance. My area of the exhibit is so fortunate to have Fran Holmbraker, Sherry Satin, Jan Kitselman, and Evelyn Godfrey on the committee. They are able to retain some of the best artisans in the country year after year, which says it all, I think.

"When one gets to Waterford to set up one's "wares," again a great deal of thought has gone into the setup process. I've been lucky to work with Tami White, Jim Gosses, and Phil Paschall near the Old School. Despite Mother Nature making some years more difficult because of weather, they haven't been difficult because of people.

"The committee members who write the Waterford Fair booklet and panphlet do such a classy job. I'm always happy to share these with people and urge them to come. I keep all my booklets; they are too interesting to discard.

"As if all the above mentioned isn't enough to favor Waterford every year, many artisans are asked to your homes to enjoy Waterford hospitality. Every night is a party! We feel so welome and appreciated by all of you. Thank you.

"So now, as you begin to plan another Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit, I hope this letter conveys to all of you what an amazing job you do each year. As a craft demonstrator, my desire is that I will spark some child's creativity and they will carry some craft into the next generation. Creativity feeds the soul and brings joy to both those doing it and seeing it.

"Please feel free to copy this letter in any way so as many people as possible will understand how appreciated their volunteering is."

An anonymous donor family has given more than 40 valuable antiques--from furniture to porcelains--to the Waterford Foundation, which (along with other collectibles and art donated by Foundation members and supporters) will be auctioned at the second Waterford Antiques and Art Auction at 11 a.m. on May 19 at the Waterford Old School.

"We were honored to receive this generous gift from a Foundation supporter," says President Getty. These antiques will form the nucleus of the live auction on Saturday, May 19.  

"We invite members of the public to join us at the new Waterford Old School Auditorium for the Saturday live auction," Getty says. A preview party and silent auction which will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 18. Both events will benefit the work of the Foundation and the Old School.

Among the items included in this generous donation are a New England maple flat top highboy, mid to late 18th century; a Queen Anne Delaware Valley lowboy, early to mid 18th century; a Portsmouth, N.H., Chippendale cherry tall case clock, signed, circa 1815; a Queen Anne walnut tavern table, pegged removable top, mid 18th century; a Mid-Atlantic bow front chest of drawers, circa 1810; a New England split-banister-back (with arch) arm chair, 18th century; a mid 19th century, 42-piece Haviland dessert set; a child's custom-crafted mid-century doll wardrobe, china cupboard, and blanket chest/toy box.

Featured at the festive preview party and silent auction on the evening of May 18 will be an opportunity for comments on guests' family heirlooms by Ann Rich, a Sotheby's-trained Art Appreciator. The auctioneer for the live auction on May 19 at 11 a.m. will be Alasdair Nichol, vice chairman and head of the Fine American and European Paintings division of Freeman's, Philadelphia's leading auctioneers and appraisers. 

The Foundation welcomes additional donations of original art and antiques for the auction. Donations will be collected Tuesday through Friday at the Waterford Foundation offices from April 3 through May 11. Donors should contact the Foundation at 540-882-3018, Ext. 117, for further information.