Festival Lights and Art: A Weekend of Makers in Northampton

The Summer’s Premier Arts Festival Unfolds Over Memorial Day Weekend

📅 When: Saturday, May 25 – Monday, May 27 📍 Where: Three County Fairgrounds, Northampton ⏰ Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM Daily

A Celebration of Artisans & Creativity

This Memorial Day weekend, Northampton transforms into an artistic hub as over 200 makers converge for the season’s first major arts festival. From handcrafted furniture to avant-garde jewelry, visitors are invited to explore a dazzling array of ceramics, glasswork, fashion, paintings, and more. Three full days of live demonstrations, live music, and local cuisine ensure there’s something for everyone.

Meet the Masters Behind the Craft

💎 Marie Murphy – The Alchemist of Silver & Stone

For jeweler Marie Murphy, every piece begins with a story—and a stone. Her fascination with jewelry ignited in childhood when her mother gifted her a turquoise cuff bracelet, setting her on a lifelong path. After studying business communications and retail, she returned to Boston to master metalsmithing by night. Twelve years of dedication led to the launch of Sliver Raven Studio in Madison, Connecticut.

Murphy’s designs are built to endure. Crafted from heavy-gauge silver, her pieces feature jasper, agate, quartz, and turquoise, each stone guiding its own unique form. "These are heirlooms," she says. "Pieces meant to last generations."

⚡ Kibaek Sung – Illuminating Functional Art

Lamps are more than light sources in Kibaek Sung’s world—they’re interactive sculptures. A graduate of Seoul National University and the Rochester Institute of Technology, Sung has collaborated with Tiffany & Co. on trophy designs for major sports leagues while running his own studio in Massachusetts.

His process begins with a question: How will this lamp breathe life into a space? From sketch to mechanism, each piece is designed to engage the user, often activated by pulling a metal ring to control the light. "Everyday objects should captivate," Sung insists.

Spotlight on Rising Talent

Forty Emerging Artist Collective exhibitors join the festival, offering fresh perspectives and innovative works. Don’t miss: ✔ Live crafting demonstrations ✔ Family-friendly art workshops ✔ A tempting array of global cuisines—from Filipino street food to chicken tikka masala and wood-fired pizza

Feast, Sip & Celebrate

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment

• Local bands & solo acts take the main stage daily
• Indie-pop headliners kick off Saturday night’s concert
• Silent auction (benefiting the International Language Institute of Massachusetts) runs all weekend

🍽️ Food & Drink

• Two dining tents host restaurants and food trucks
• Full bar featuring craft cocktails, regional wines, local beers, and specialty coffees
• Sheltered exhibitions ensure the fun continues—rain or shine!

Plan Your Visit

Why This Festival Stands Out

A rare blend of artistry, community, and culture, this Memorial Day event offers: ✅ Unmatched craftsmanship from established and emerging artists ✅ Culinary delights spanning global flavors ✅ Live performances under the summer sky ✅ Support for local talent and charitable causes

Don’t just observe the art—experience it. This is where tradition meets innovation, and every corner tells a story.

Full Schedule & Exhibitor List

🔗 Official Festival Website | 📞 (413) XXX-XXXX