Save the Date!

Plans are in the works for the 7th annual Ghoultide Gathering taking place on Saturday, September 28th, 2013.


After receiving such positive feedback about the venue, we will once again be hosting the show at the Fairgrounds in Chelsea, Michigan. This year we are returning to our original format of a one day show,  starting with an Early Buy from 8 am to 10 am and Regular Shopping hours will extend from 10 am to 4 pm.

A growing list of new talent that we will be joining us and naturally many returning artists. Stay tuned for more developments in the months ahead. 

Reminisce for a moment via a video and recall the fun everyone experienced at Ghoultide Gathering last October.


A Spooktacular Success


The 6th Annual Ghoultide Gathering went off without a hitch.

Crowds gathered by the hundreds at the Chelsea fairgrounds to see the new show venue and of course to shop the amazing offerings scared up by the participating artists.
Festive decorations transformed the barn into a true Halloween happening along with live music and treats at each artist's table. 


Thank you to the town of Chelsea for welcoming Ghoultide and its guests with open arms. Local businesses offered special discounts for Ghoultide attendees and many stayed open late for visitors to enjoy the downtown area.


The reviews speak for themselves by those in attendance
"I wish you could have been at the entrance to the show when the large door creaked and groaned as it was pushed open for all of us to enter. 5:00 P.M. and Ghoultide Gathering began with a greeting from a giant Skeleton hanging from the rafters... it left everyone speechless. You have once again outdone yourself - It was wonderful and magical. I look forward to going again next year."



"Back home in California after a whirlwind trip to Ghoultide. This was the most amazing show I have ever attended. The artisan's level of work was exceptional and to have them all under one roof and have nice wide isles was beyond words." 

"I will say this was my first year and I came with my 2 daughters. We were absolutely in awe of the show! It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Wonderful!! To get to see so much talent in person is something I will never forget. You can count us on coming for many years to come! We traveled from west central Indiana, long car trip, but SO worth it."  



"Fabulous! So many great artists. The fairgrounds was nice and sheltered, even in the rain. Great and easy parking. Clean bathrooms! And lots of room to look and move around! Bravo on the new location!"



"So happy that I could make it this year with my sister. My hat goes off to everyone who exhibited and worked the show! The displays were amazing and the artwork was stellar! Hay bales, a GIANT skeleton to greet you and friendly people. Thank you for making my Halloween dreams come true! Great job!"

The Appleseed Collective kept the evening hopping

Save the date for our 7th annual event
September 28th, 2013

 Happy Halloween from Ghoultide Gathering!

Just Days Away From A Halloween Artist Spectacular!


The news that Ghoultide Gathering is coming has built excitement all over the town of Chelsea.
Our show plans are taking shape and the artists are working round the clock preparing some of the most amazing pieces we've seen yet.

A few details to help you plan your visit
This map shows you how convenient our new location is from the freeway and hotels.

Friday, October 5th - Evening Early Buy
Gates to the fairgrounds open at noon.  Parking is free and we ask that you reserve the front row for handicapped persons.
If you are planning to arrive before gates open, park across the street at the shopping center.  Please do not park on the side of the road.

Tickets go on sale at 2 pm under the tent at our building entrance.  Purchasing a ticket does not hold a place for you in line.  We are not limiting ticket sales, so the event will not sell out.
Doors open at 5 pm and close at 8 pm and admission is $20

By joining us for the Evening Early Buy you will have first choice of what the artists have scared up for you. You will receive a Ghoultide Gathering tote (while supplies last) and also have free access to the show on Saturday. Once inside, enjoy live music performed by Ann Arbor's
The Appleseed Collective

Saturday, October 6th
Gates to the fairgrounds open at 8 am and tickets will be sold at the door the same time.
Doors open at 10 am and close at 2 pm and admission is $5

Restrooms are in a separate building near the parking lot.

Food and beverages vendors will be available before and during the shows Friday and Saturday.

Shopping at Ghoultide Gathering
We regret to inform you that we have had some last minute cancellations by three artists. Due to personal reasons, Vergie Lightfoot, David Schilling and Matthew Kirscht will be unable to join us this year.  For a complete listing of attending artists, check out our website.
http://www.ghoultidegathering.com

A reminder that not all of our vendors accept credit cards, so please be prepared.

Pets are not allowed in the building, but well behaved children accompanied by parents are. It can be very crowded at times, so NO strollers inside please.

All artists will be in one building. A layout of where each artist is in the room will be posted at the ticket counter.

For your convenience, the UPS Store will be staying open late on Friday and all day during the show Saturday to help with anyone wishing to ship items home. They are located just 1/2 mile from the show site at 1163 Main Street.

Hotel Accommodations for Ghoultide Guests 
At the time of this notice, the Comfort Inn in Chelsea is sold out. You may try calling in case of any last minute cancellations. The Ghoultide Gathering rate is $87 and the phone number is 734-433-8000.
The Holiday Inn Express nearby has also reserved rooms for Ghoultide Guests. The rate is $104 and the phone number is 734-433-8000.
The fall issue of FOLK magazine is about to hit newsstands. We're excited about this issue because we're in it! Thank you to the editors for featuring Ghoultide Gathering in a special section called A Handmade Halloween. We appreciate your support of our show, our artists and the philosophy of buying handmade goods.
Look for the issue at Barnes & Noble and other retailers across the country.


New talents will amaze and inspire
Seven new artists are taking part in our sixth annual show, adding their unique and twisted visions of Halloween to our potpourri of art.
Artists began applying to Ghoultide Gathering early in the year in hopes of being juried in. We take the submissions very seriously and select artisans we feel have something unexpected to offer customers shopping our event. The goal of Ghoultide Gathering is to provide customers the with best Halloween art available in one location. 


Halloween makers near and far join the gathering


 
Susan Bartolucci, of Napa, CA, makes Halloween fun for everyone. It is her passion and it shows in each of her one-of-a-kind Tinsell and Whimsy  pieces which all start with a pun. The variety of mediums she works in and the characters that are created will captivate you. 
 
Lori Hough, of Fremont, MI, has been showing her amazing paper-mache animals at shows and galleries in the area for many years. We're delighted she will be joining us and bringing her vision of Halloween with nighttime and creepy creatures.
 
Arbutus Hunter, of Wellignton, NV, comes to us from Nevada and brings her inspired Novelties and Illuminations. Hunter's worn and aged looking pieces are created from paper-mache and cotton batting. 
 
Matthew Kirscht, of New Orleans, LA, brings his quirky and spirited Halloween paintings and figures to Ghoultide for the first time. Kirscht has participated in many art and gallery shows across the country and has a strong collector base.
 
David Schilling, of Indianapolis, IN, produces eccentric characters with deep backstories from The Shadow Farm. We're anxious to meet David's strange creatures and hear their tales.
 
Lucky Stradely, of Hubbell, NE, has a monstrous crush on Halloween. The proof is obvious when you see her stoneware pottery with beastly and whimsical faces. 
 
Jennie Hepler-Takens, of Battle Creek, MI, creates one-of-a-kind pumpkin art dolls using paper-mache and vintage embellishments. Her Prim Pumpkins will enchant you with their delightful stories.
 
We invite you to witness all this exciting new work in person, along with other creations by the 23 returning artists. 

Fall publications for 2012 have already been spotted.
We have a wonderful two page ad in the Fall issue of Art Doll Quarterly. The ad features just a few of the amazing artisans who'll be joining us this year. Besides our ad, the issue also includes even more art from several of our participants. Look for the issue to hit newsstands in early August.

You may subscribe or order a copy direct from Art Doll Quarterly
http://artdollquarterly.com/

Common Questions About Attending
Ghoultide Gathering

Calls and emails are rolling in with questions about our 6th annual show. It's sounding like we will have many new visitors joining us this year. We thought it best to post information about the most commonly asked questions for those planning to attend.

What is the nearest airport?
The closest and most convenient airport to our event is the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).
This airport is west of Detroit, in the city of Romulus, and is an easy 45 minute drive to Chelsea, (exit 159 via I-94).
Google Maps Directionshttp://tinyurl.com/cqlnwo4

Where do I stay?
We have arranged for a block of rooms at a discounted rate for Ghoultide visitors at the Comfort Inn in Chelsea, just 1 mile from the show site.
To receive our discounted rate you must mention that you are attending Ghoultide Gathering when making your reservations, (734) 433-8000.

Where is the new show location?
Chelsea Fairgrounds, 20501 Old US-12 Hwy, Chelsea, MI 48118
This site offers acres of free parking, and best of all, the participating artists will be in one building. Their wondrous works will be displayed on tables and booths just waiting to tempt you. A large tent will mark the entrance to the Ghoultide Exhibitor's Hall.

How do I get tickets?
Tickets may be purchased inside the main entrance tent the day of the show. There are NO advance ticket sales.
Friday, Evening Early Buy $20 and Saturday $5.
Friday's admission will include a limited edition Ghoultide Gathering shopping tote, live entertainment from Ann Arbor's The Appleseed Collective, and free entrance to Saturday's show.

Do I need to line up early?

Our show hours are Friday evening 5pm to 8pm, and then Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm.
We have customers who line up several hours before the doors open just so they can shop with their favorite artists first. For best selection we recommend you arrive early. While standing in line you will be among others who share your passion for Halloween. 

Food vendors, Concrete CuisineMystic Kettle, and Artistic Confectionswill be on site before and during the shows offering food for purchase. The facility has ample restroom facilities near the Ghoultide Exhibitor's Hall for your convenience. 

In the event of inclement weather, an adjacent building will be available to keep you dry.

Can we bring children or pets?
Children accompanied by adults are certainly welcome. Those under 10 get in free. For everyone's safety, please do not bring strollers or pets inside the building as the venue can become very crowded.


Do the artists accept credit cards?
Many of the artists are beginning to accept credit cards for payment, however not all are set up for this method. Personal checks are usually accepted, and of course all the artists appreciate cash whenever possible. A 6% sales tax is required in Michigan.

Is shipping available?
We are happy to have a UPS Store very close to our show site and hotel. They will be open late on Friday and open on Saturday to assist you in shipping your new acquisitions home safely.

What else is there to do in the area?
The town of Chelsea offers inviting boutiques, galleries, antique shops, great restaurants, and a local theatre. You can explore all the wonderful things Chelsea has to offer by visiting www.chelseamich.com
Ann Arbor is only 15 minutes from Chelsea, and offers even more to see and do

The Pure Michigan website lists events and activities for the entire state.