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Judy Sklover, third from left in the back row,
with last year’s Indie Craft Fair group.
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Judy Sklover is one of those Battery Park City pioneer women who is devoted to the neighborhood, and in particular to the young folk. Director of administration and parent liaison at the Battery Park City Day Nursery for the first two-thirds of every weekday, she races to PS/IS 89 each afternoon to lead after-school activities for Manhattan Youth.
Last year, realizing that many of her friends led artistic lives, she decided to organize a craft fair that showcased some of their work. It was a huge success, and she promised both vendors and shoppers that she would do it again. This Saturday, November 16, Judy is presenting her second annual Indie Craft Fair, with double the number of vendors, 11am to 4pm, at 6 River Terrace. We managed to catch Judy as she was flying by, to ask a few questions.
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So how did this Indie Craft Fair come about?
It started in 2018 because I have a lot of very talented friends who needed a little “push” in getting their goods out into the marketplace. I thought it might be great to organize something to showcase their talents in Battery Park City.
What made you think of organizing a fair?
I love to organize things. I remember when I was about 10, I organized a neighborhood fair with crafts and games. I have always loved attending quality fairs and flea markets. It is also a way to bring the community together in BPC. There are so many wonderful corporate-sponsored events in BPC; it’s nice to offer one that is more grass roots. This event is to showcase and sell crafts, books and paintings but it is also a way to bring our friends and the community together. I even have my aunt flying in from Georgia to help with the event! That’s what this type of thing yields. It’s almost magical!
Where is it held?
Last year it was much smaller and we held it at the BPC Day Nursery in one of the classrooms. This year it will be at 6 River Terrace.
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Is it only once a year?
Now it is, but who knows maybe we add a spring fair down the road.
How many different artists are there?
This year we have 18 artists. I started with almost all of the same people from last year and then figured out what else we needed to round out the event. I have had the help of friends Heidi Owen, Erika Piik and Sheila Schmidt in brainstorming and organizing, and we are very proud of the selection of artists we have this year. It has been curated carefully so there is not a lot of duplication in terms of crafts/art being sold. Many of the new artists came to me through word of mouth and recommendations.
What are the price ranges?
Hmmm, that’s a hard one but I would say perhaps $10.00 up to several hundred dollars. We will also have a Urban Market Raffle ($10/raffle ticket or 6 for $50) and it is comprised of our favorite greenmarket vendors. This was a way to create a some excitement and support and promote these wonderful businesses.
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Who are the artists and crafts people?
They are friends and neighbors as well as new vendors. We’ll have beautiful hand-made ceramics from several people, gorgeous jewelry, hand-made soy candles with delicate scents, amazing needlepoint, and the most wonderful handmade children’s shoes in the world. And so much more! I would say about 50% of the artists I have never met before, but between recommendations, their work and my communication with them, I know they are all perfect fits. That is what is so much fun with organizing an event like this. For example, I needed a jam and jelly person, so I went out to all of the artists and got names but none panned out so ultimately I went out to a coworker from years ago, who no longer lives in NYC but is always in the know and he got me Jana’s Jammy from Montclair NJ. It’s sort of a puzzle you have to put together. You have the border but then have to hustle to fill it in. It takes a lot of energy, commitment, organization and a network of amazing friends. That is how it all came together. We all have bonded, and everyone is supporting one another and that is what makes it so special.
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As a girl, what was your favorite crafty thing to do?
You know, I am less crafty and more of a organizer, but my mom was very creative. She could bake, decorate, arrange flowers and make fantastic cakes. I think some of that rubbed off on me, but my creative passion is baking which I believe is also an art form. I am also an excellent doodler.
The second annual Indie Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 16, 11am to 4pm, at 6 River Terrace, located just north of the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park City
What Judy neglects to say is that her decades in Battery Park City supporting many schools and children’s activities with her loving, remarkable energy is what makes her taking on this new venture so exciting and destined for success. These artists are super lucky to be in the mix!