The Craftworkers’ Guild, in coordination with the local Richard K. Harvel Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Stevens-Buswell Post of the American Legion, invites members of the public to join guild members in making life-size ceramic poppies that will honor veterans as part of a public art project. The ceramic poppies made as part of this project will be “planted” at Bedford’s Veterans’ Memorial during local Memorial Day ceremonies this year.

Poppies will be created over the course of two separate drop-in work sessions to be held at the Town Hall. On Saturday, April 21, participants will use a pattern to cut and shape soft clay petals for their poppy. After the pieces are dried and fired, participants will return on Saturday, May 5 to glaze their poppies and prepare them for a second firing that will give them their characteristic red color. After assembly by members of the Craftworkers’ Guild, poppies will then be made available to their makers, who may either donate them for use during Memorial Day ceremonies, or use them in their own private observances.

Guild members will be available to assist participants during the work sessions, and no previous experience is necessary. Supplies and equipment will be provided by the Craftworkers’ Guild. The activity is suitable for adults and supervised children age 12 and older. A tax-deductable $10 fee will be charged to register for this two-day activity, which will then be donated to NH Veterans’ charities. Interested individuals should email their contact information to The Craftworkers’ Guild at craftworkersguild@gmail.com to request a registration form, or to ask any questions they might have. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested.

The Craftworkers’ Guild is a Bedford-based nonprofit organization that supports the development of local artists and craftspeople and promotes the appreciation of art and craft in our community. More information is available on the Guild website, thecraftworkersguild.org.

– Submitted by The Craftworkers’ Guild