The annual Roycrofters At Large Association (RALA) goodie box will be unveiled during the organization’s Roycroft Winter Festival Dec. 1-2 at East Aurora Middle School, 430 Main St. The box — filled with handcrafted works of art from RALA artisans, will be awarded to one lucky winner during the Roycroft Summer Festival in June. Raffle tickets will be available at the Winter Festival.
This year’s goodie box takes this long-standing Roycroft tradition down a new path — it’s made from clay! Master artisans Jerry Smith and Ann Perry Smith have created the box from a chocolate brown stoneware clay body.
Jerry Smith designed and conceived the idea of this year’s box, which represent a tabernacle illustrating the importance of a higher power on the artistic gifts bestowed upon the Roycroft artisans. Jerry carefully assembled and textured the piece over a three-week period.
Ann Perry Smith designed the box’s RR symbol — the Roycrofters At Large Association mark — and carefully carved it into the top of the box. The creation was truly a joint effort with each part complementing the other components.
The goodie box is approximately 14 inches wide and 10 inches high. It will be completed with a metallic pewter glaze on smooth surfaces, with hammered areas left to show the textural qualities created in the clay. It is valued at $3,000.
Guests are invited to check out the goodie box during the Winter Festival to see if they can find it’s secret opening!
RALA is an association of juried artisans who create handcrafted work in many medias, including jewelry, wood, clay, book arts, metal, tile, glass, leather, pottery, sculpture, fabric/fiber and more. Their work is known for its high quality and is identifiable by display of the “double R” mark, a symbol used exclusively by Roycroft artisans. Association membership is also available to those who want to be “Roycrofters At Large,” as membership is not limited only to artisans.
For more information regarding the Winter Festival or the Roycrofters At Large Association, please visit www.ralaweb.com, call 655-7252 or email roycroftmail@verizon.net. You can also follow the Roycrofters At Large Association on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Roycrofters-At-Large-Association-RALA/415058801881910 for frequent updates.
