League of New Hampshire Craftsmen

Our Mission: To advance, cultivate and champion excellence in fine craft. We pursue that mission through educational programming, leadership initiatives, marketplace strategies and support services. We envision that through our work: People regard craft as inspirational, meaningful and relevant to their lives as individuals and as community members. Makers of fine craft are inspired, enriched, supported and honored. The League is widely respected across New England and the country as a leader in craft.

Our Values:

Craft is an essential human expression.

Craft contributes to the language and culture of our times.

Craft inspires, enriches and builds community.

Our Commitment to Equity: David Campbell, one of the first Directors of the League of NH Craftsmen, made this statement about equity in 1963- “There are many important values that are inherent in the craft movement, the most important of which is its determination to break down racial and national barriers and to unite [craftsmen] in their recognition of their common humanity. No one country has an exclusive claim to the crafts. They are as old as civilization itself.”

Today, the League still stands by Campbell’s inclusive spirit. Our current League staff would like to extend that inclusive philosophy and welcome everyone regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, philosophical or political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, or socioeconomic status.

Promoting Fine Contemporary & Traditional Craft: Welcome to the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, one of the oldest and most recognized craft organizations in the country.

For over 90 years, the nonprofit League has promoted fine craft, supported craftspeople, and educated and enriched New Hampshire’s communities. Visitors shop in our Fine Craft Galleries that feature outstanding hand-made craft and wide-ranging educational programs such as classes, demonstrations and workshops that are open to people of all ages and skill levels. Throughout its history, the League has helped craftspeople sell their work, hone their skills, and generate income. More than 700 juried craftspeople produce exceptional contemporary and traditional craft in a wide range of media, from Baskets and Pottery to Printmaking and Wood, from Jewelry and Quilts to Photography and Folk Art.

The League’s story begins in the mid-1920s when Mrs. Mary Coolidge and A. Cooper Ballentine joined forces to promote craft in New Hampshire. By 1932, The League of New Hampshire Arts and Crafts had been established, and the first official League shop was opened in Wolfeboro. The following year, the first Craftsmen’s Fair was held, making it the oldest craft fair in the country. Rebranded as the League of NH Craftsmen in 1968, the League is recognized today as one of the country’s foremost fine arts organizations, setting the standard for fine hand crafts — made right here — that are valued throughout the United States and around the world for their creativity, authenticity and technical expertise.

The League of NH Craftsmen is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement, cultivation, and promotion of excellence in fine craft. Our Executive Director, along with our Board of Directors and staff, manage the overall operations of the organization as well as the Annual Craftsmen’s Fair each August.

This event, in its 92nd year, draws an audience of approximately 20K guests over nine days. It is the League’s largest fundraiser, and is an important sales venue for the artists that participate. The HQ staff coordinates the event’s marketing plan, participant registration, layout, set-up, staffing, outside contractors, volunteer support, ticketing and daily operations.

The League manages an exhibition space on Main Street in Concord, and sales galleries in the I-93 North rest area in Hooksett and in Concord. The League maintains a close relationship with four additional affiliated sales galleries across NH, and manages an Annual Ornament program on their behalf. League HQ manages marketing for the galleries year-round, including print media, digital and radio campaigns.

Our promotions also support educational programs, exhibitions, partnerships, fundraising and membership. We hold an annual fund campaign, as well as administer our membership programs for juried and supporting members. The League also serves as a referral source for media contacts who are interested in interviewing or showcasing the work of local artists.

The League partners with other arts organizations for exhibitions both at League HQ and across NH, as well as mentorship programs and professional development for artists. A jury system evaluates the work of prospective members, utilizing the volunteer support of master craftsmen within our community.

The League offers education about the field of craft through a video series and accompanying study guide, as well as professional development for educators, and craft classes and demonstrations at League locations and in the community.

The League maintains a permanent collection of craft which showcases exemplary work created throughout the history of the organization. Select works are on view throughout the year, and the pieces, along with historic records in our archives, are available for scholarly research as requested.