Artisans' Row Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that does not appear below, feel free to e-mail the Dean of the School of Applied Arts.

I keep hearing about Artisans' Rows, but I really don't understand what they are about. What is an "Artisans' Row"?

Artisans' Row is a space where groups of artisans, craftsmen and scholars of a particular activity continuously demonstrate and share their knowledge and abilities during a whole day and for an ever-changing audience. Artisans' Row during Pennsic will have three tents for groups of demonstrators running each day of Pennsic University, so each day may have multiple themes. People will be free to wander the area, watching demonstrations and asking questions.

I am an artisan/performer/scholar – why should I participate?

Artisans' Row is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate your craft, share your research and put your skills to work for an audience in a less structured and limited format than a 1-hour class session. You can demonstrate and display your skills with both the most advanced of your projects and the most basic of your projects. Artisans' Row is also a place for artisans with shared interests to gather and enjoy the company of others with a similar passion, share ideas, or engage in joint projects. For Guilds or other associations, this is an excellent opportunity for you to showcase your activities and attract new members.

I'm not an Artisan – can I just stop by any time?

Yes – that is the whole point of Artisans' Row! If you are interested in a particular craft or art, Artisans' Row provides you the opportunity to actually spend time watching and learning from someone who has done the research and is putting that research into practice. Our artisans love to share what they know by demonstrating the various techniques and skills they have learned. Want to learn about medieval cheeses, woodworking, or pewter casting? Music, weaving, or leatherworking? Artisans' Row has all this and more for you to see!

How many days will Artisans' Row be running?

We are hoping to get enough sessions to have Artisans' Row open for all the days that Pennsic University classes will be running, from Wednesday of the first week to Friday of the second week.

Will all the tents be next to each other?

Yes; we will be located between University Point and Chandler's Road in the Pennsic University, along St. Lawrence Way.

Will the tent walls be open?

Yes, at least the front walls and more if the weather permits. We want this to be an open, interactive atmosphere, which can be best facilitated by placing as few barriers as possible between the artisans and their potential audience.

Does an artisan have to dedicate some minimum amount of time to being present?

No – attendance is something that all of the artisans in a particular session will work out among themselves. Nor is an artisan restricted to participating in only one activity. The Artisans' Row days are designed to be collaborative efforts among a group of artisans.

The group, as a whole, should try to cover the entire day with activities going on all the time. We currently expect that artisans will open up their tents between 9:00-10:00 am, and have activities of various sorts from 10:00 am to 5:00 or 6:00 pm. Groups may extend into the evening, if they so desire, and if they have activities that can take place in the evening.

We are a group of artisans who have already worked out a plan for a day of activities on Artisans' Row. What do we do now?

For now, the leader of your group should register using the Artisans' Row Registration form. In the section "About your Art", indicate that the type of session/display you'd like to do is "Other." Put in the "Other" box a note that you have a full day planned and would like to submit it separately. The Dean will then contact you and will work out with you the best format for you to submit your proposal.

How much can I, as an artisan, charge for a session I want to hold on Artisans' Row?

You may not charge a fee for demonstrating in the Artisans' Row area. Classes that involve fees for materials or handouts should be scheduled through Pennsic University.

Will there be teaching equipment (writing implements, paper, chalk or whiteboards, projectors, etc.) available for us to borrow?

University Point has a limited number of whiteboards and markers, and that's about it.

Can I use electrical equipment at the Artisans' Row?

We do have ways of getting electricity to the Artisans' Row tents, if you request it in the "Description/Special Requirements" section of the registration form. However, it is strongly recommended that artisans find a "period" method of sharing visual information. If the power goes out, the Artisans' Row and Pennsic University staff can do nothing about the disruption of your session.

Can I use a heat source at the Artisans' Row?

Any heat source used for any purpose in Artisans' Row (such as candles, torches, hotplates, propane stoves, kilns, etc) must be pre-approved by the University Chancellor prior to the beginning of the demonstration. Failure to get pre-approval may result in an immediate termination of the demonstration.