Les artisans arts & crafts fair

Purpose

The Les Artisans Arts and Crafts Fair

• raises funds to maintain the BGHS George R. Letourneau Museum and Adrien Richard Heritage Preserve
• provides local and regional artists and fine crafters a biannual event where they can showcase and sell their work
• promotes fine crafting and artistry
• creates and hosts a unique shopping experience that spotlights unique, hand-crafted, home-grown, one-of-a kind items in a pleasant, seasonal atmosphere

History

The Les Artisans Arts and Crafts Fair began in the late 1970s as a spin-off of a popular arts and crafts booth at Maternity B.V.M. Church, hosted by the ladies of the St. Anne Sodality at their annual card party. Several of those ladies started Les Artisans as a fundraiser for the newly-formed Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society. The show ran many years at  Maternity B.V.M., then several more years at Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School.

In 2011, the 4th of July Jubilee merged with the Les Artisans Arts and Crafts Fair. This show had originated as a fundraiser for Kankakee Community College's Athletic Foundation and flourished under the direction of long-time organizer, Pam Ash. After Pam’s retirement, the fairs hit a rough patch, followed by a decline in attendance and vendors. In 2016 Ellen Stringer became the fair  coordinator. The Les Artisans Arts and Crafts Fair is now among the best shows in the area.