The Algarve’s artists and artisans are heading back to the west coast for their fourth Arts & Crafts Fair in the last two years.

The previous three here in Vale da Telha were so well received by residents and visitors that the region’s talented artists and artisans are returning for a fourth Fair on Sunday, September 30th at the Restaurante Fonte do Vale.
Unique handcrafted gifts and collectables, glass, jewellery, soaps, original artwork, textiles, wooden puzzles, preserves, chocolates, ceramics, prints,
greeting cards, Fi-Line fashions and more will be displayed and on sale.

Organiser Susan Puttick, who is also one of the exhibitors, told us: “Sofia at the restaurant very kindly invited us to hold a fair there.

“She has also very generously agreed that the table money can go to the charity selected,

Susan J Puttick

which on this occasion is going to be the local St Vincent de Paul Society, the Aljezur branch of the Sociedade de såo Vicente de Paulo, Portugal.
“For us, as well as benefitting such a deserving charity, it’s a wonderful opportunity to go back to Vale da Telha where we were so well received on the previous occasions. We felt the people up there appreciated the craftsmanship and skills on display.

“Originally it was an experiment to see if it would capture the interest of the residents in an area where exhibitions and fairs of this nature were rarely seen.
“But the first three were such a huge success and so well received by the people out on the west coast that we felt it worthwhile following up that interest and enthusiasm with a fourth fair.”

Susan added: “Our artists have all been hard at work producing their unique
creations. Others who have exhibited in the previous fairs will be bringing with them new inspiration designs as well as some of their classic creations”.
Some of the Algarve’s finest painters, fashion, fabric and jewellery designers,
glassmakers and textile designers will exhibit their wares between 11am and 5pm.
Susan creates unique designer jewellery from fresh water pearl, semi precious stone and individual lampwork glass with sterling silver as well as producing botanical artwork to sell as prints and cards.

Gill Goode captures the essence of the Algarve in her fine watercolours and acrylics, whilst Norman Denkel’s hand-made glass creations include jewellery, jars, lights and decorations.

Birgit Felten’s gift in felt-making is in patiently manipulating beautifully soft Merino wool and baby camel hair with silk and cotton to produce her fine wraps, scarves, brooches and delightful flowers with a new range of orchids.

Sandi Croft will be bringing her beautiful and natural (non-chemical) hand-made
soaps and cream, all with their natural fragrances, and Joao Furtado his wonderful range of handcrafted leather belts.

And the work of Margarida Gorgulho, who gained her degree in the art of porcelain at Lisbon University and creates objects much sought-after in cities like Zurich, Lisbon and Porto will also be available along with the childrens’ wooden puzzles of Sandra Knop.

It is hoped, too, that Fiona Morton from Fi-line fashions in Almaçao de Pera, who has that eye for just the right fashion will be in attendance with a collection of her designer clothes.

The organisers are also waiting for confirmation that Chris Wyn and her art
(wooden sculpture and glass) will feature, together with local artist Mike Edward, the hand-made chocolates of Dora Barados, Lis Jensen’s crafted decorations, and the skin products of Lesley Wall.

Food and drinks will be available to purchase,
Ring 911 513 561 for more information.