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Crafts at a crossroads

South Burlington, Vermont - December 18, 2009

Visit the Vermont Holiday Craft Shop, and you're likely to meet someone like Hattie Saville. She's 85 but crafts may just be her fountain of youth.

"I don't have time to get old," she said. "An artist never retires!!"

Saville says along with dance classes, painting gets her out of the house and keeps her sharp. She sells her work and helps customers at the seasonal co-op at the University Mall.

But crafts are at a crossroads: Producers are getting older.

"Well, we have one 90 year old, I think two 85 year olds," said Sue Alenick, of the Vt. Holiday Craft Shop. "And a whole bunch of us in the 70 year range."

Alenick has been a part of the store for all of its 26 years, selling handmade goods from mugs to blankets and jewelry by dozens of craftspeople.

"Many of them turn to crafts to earn extra money, but there are fewer and fewer of us who try to support ourselves completely as artisans and craftspeople," Alenick said. "It's just more expensive to live."

Vermont has for decades been a destination for craftspeople and their customers. The state even designates official craft centers like Frog Hollow, recognizing their contributions to Vermont's reputation, quality of life, and economy.

Asked what will happen to the craft world if more young crafters don't join the fray, Alenick said, "I don't know. It's a sad thought."

Alenick has worked to attract artisans in their 20s, 30s and 40s to the Vermont Holiday Craft Shop, like a jelly maker.

"She's a young mother with three young kids," Alenick explained.

She says other craft groups actively host children's programs and encourage kids to display work hoping they'll grow up excited to make a living off their creativity.

"This little shop does very well," Hattie Saville said.

Saville figures she's got years and years of painting left in her.

"I keep very busy," she said.

And she hopes in that time she'll be able to work alongside more young craftspeople, keeping beautiful handiwork Made in Vermont.

Many young crafters have turned to selling their goods online or at farmers markets-- often promoting their creations as "greener" than mass-manufactured items. And sales online are growing quickly.

This weekend artists from Burlington's summer farmers market and others have a holiday sale at City Hall in Burlington.

That craft store in the UMall is only seasonal-- open through the end of the year. Vt. Holiday Craft Shop - 802-658-4700‎.

The Vt. Holiday Craft Shop is not a designated state craft center. Click here for more on Vt. State Craft Centers.

Meet some artisans who are the future of crafts in Vermont:

The Zipper Lady

Bibs from Bags

Snowmen, or Survival?

"Green" Designs

Jack Thurston - WCAX News