The MSU Arts and Crafts Show, sponsored by the University Activities Board, turned 50 last weekend.
This year it featured returning favorites and new exhibitors selling an eclectic array of jewelry, paintings, clothing and more.
UAB graduate assistant Lauren Koppel said this year’s show boasted 368 booth spaces housing 336 vendors. Adapting to recent changes on campus has allowed volunteers to expand the show.
“With Morrill Hall no longer being there, we were able to add more booth spaces, so we’ve increased our vendor amount,” Koppel said.
Koppel said vendors come from all across the country.
To accommodate them, UAB meets with Infrastructure Planning and Facilities at the very beginning of the year, Koppel said. She said IPF predicts where they will be able to put booths, and then UAB members measure out booths to fit ten-foot by ten-foot frames.
Koppel said they typically have a running wait list, and vendors choose their booth space upon acceptance. Beginning at 6:30 on Friday, roads were closed and traffic was being redirected for the vendors’ loading process.
“We’re really happy with the turnout,” Koppel said. “Especially because it’s the 50th annual — I think that has brought in a lot of community members. Also, having the East Lansing Art Show across the street ... makes for a really good cross-publicity and brings in a good crowd.”
She said while the East Lansing Art Festival and MSU Crafts Show do not coordinate logistics together, they are concurrently planned so that they can be mutually publicized.
