Inspired by the works of sage writer John Ruskin, the Arts and Crafts movement evolved as an aesthetic response to the factory-made production of the Victorian era’s Industrial Revolution. The movement, which idealized artisans and their vocations, was fashionable until the early part of the 20th century.
The self-proclaimed “kick-ass” new crafts fair Twist brings a decidedly contemporary take to this old way of looking at arts and crafts. Twist—the brainchild of husband and wife design team Lexie and Cory Barnes of Easthampton—is a juried fair, meaning in order to peddle their wares, artists and artisans first had to apply and be judged. The fair will showcase unique merchandise like custom shoes, silk-screened clothing, handmade jewelry, prints and doo-dads galore made by vendors from all over the United States (sewn figures by Ashley Anna Brown of Easthampton are pictured).
—Sarah Gibbons
Sept. 5, 5-9 p.m.; Sept. 6, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Northampton Center for the Arts, 17 New South St.,
Northampton, (413) 584-7327, www.twistfair.com.