
A summer tradition continues as the 30th Annual Craftsmen’s Summer Classic returns to the M.B. Convention Center Aug. 3 - 5. Featured on Cover: Sheron Davis, Stained Glass / Window Panels & Suncatchers, Decatur, GA.
Meeting hundreds of the country’s finest artists and craftsmen. Choosing one-of-a-kind home accessories, gifts, collectibles and personal treasures from thousands of original works. Enjoying air-conditioned comfort during a break from the sand and surf. Being in the right place at the right time to attend one of the most acclaimed events of its kind in the nation and help celebrate its 30th anniversary as a Grand Strand tradition.
It’s a win-win situation for visitors to the Craftsmen’s Summer Classic Art and Craft Festival, returning to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2101 N. Oak St., August 3-5. And tourists and locals alike can “Experience the Extraordinary” for three great days.
The Craftsmen’s Summer Classic, again recognized as a “Top 20 Event” by the Southeast Tourism Society, brings together “Made in America” at its finest, showcasing the works of artisans invited to participate based on their originality and creative excellence in concept, design and execution. The seemingly endless choices include pottery, jewelry, glass, fine art, sculpture, furniture, photography, baskets, decorative metalwork, clothing, wood, leathercraft and much more, including specialty foods.
A popular element of the annual event, according to visitors (many of whom plan their Grand Strand vacations based on Summer Classic dates), is the unique opportunity to meet the artists and craftsmen and learn about their inspirations and motivations, tools and techniques. It’s an experience certainly not found in mass market, making selections even more cherished, be they traditional or contemporary, decorative or whimsical, functional or funky.
The Craftsmen’s Summer Classic, produced by the award-winning Gilmore Shows and sponsored by WMBF News, is one in a series of indoor craft and fine art events produced annually, throughout the year, across the two Carolinas and Virginia. The Gilmore family’s original concept of a family of artists and craftsmen presenting their works in a family-friendly environment, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2013.
Winning industry accolodates and public acclaim for three decades on the Grand Strand, the Craftsmen’s Summer Classic continues to offer an entertaining and educational experience for all ages and an incredible browsing and shopping adventure to suit every style, taste and budget.
Consistently voted to the “100 Best Shows” in the nation list by the prestigious Sunshine Artist Magazine, the event has also been rated #3 in South Carolina. Promoters Clyde and Tami Gilmore have more shows on the “Best” list than any other promoters in the country.
The Craftsmen’s Summer Classic Art & Craft Festival will run Friday and Saturday, August 3 and 4, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday, August 5, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $1 for ages six through 12, and is good all three days with a free return pass.
Complete information, and big savings, are available at www.CraftShow.com.
Gilmore Shows may be reached by phone at 336-282-5550.


