James Bairaktaris 11/6/22 James Bairaktaris 11/6/22

Autumntime for Assumption Church, Historic Riverside Avenue

Assumption Church (background) and the colonial-era Joshua Couch/Kathleen & James Coley Jr. home (foreground, behind American flag) look very much the same this fall as they have for hundreds of seasons prior. The current Assumption Church was built in 1899 after the original wooden structure became too small for the new parish as “It served a growing number of immigrants, first from Ireland and later from Italy, who settled in Saugatuck and in Green’s Farm.” The Joshua Couch/Coley House was built over 100 years prior to that in 1756, possibly being used as a commercial property that served the bustling shipping-centered Saugatuck River. WestportLocal.com photo

James Bairaktaris 11/6/22 James Bairaktaris 11/6/22

Autumn along the River

A home on Manitou Court sat amongst the fiery reds and oranges of fall foliage in a lesser-seen view from the Saugatuck River beneath it. WestportLocal.com photo

J.C. Martin 11/6/22 J.C. Martin 11/6/22

CraftWestport Returns to Staples High School

Each November Westporters are joined by folks from neighboring towns to get a jump on holiday shopping at the Westport Young Women's League's annual epic craft show: CraftWestport. The show returned for its 45th year after a hiatus in 2021 due to the pandemic. Once again shoppers and admirers of the work of skilled artisans in multiple, diverse areas of fine art and hand-crafted products were able to view the offerings of more than 175 artisans in the Staples field house and cafeteria.

In addition to beautiful jewelry - always a favorite - stunning photography, and other fine artwork - this curated event has found some distinctive and unusual work such as a Tiffany style lamp crafted from a cello, highly detailed backlit and framed street maps, olive oil based natural skin care products, and soaps that look good enough to eat. There were hand-painted ties and scarves and quilted tapestries. Woodworkers showed custom furniture and Ukrainian couple created hand painted nesting boxes.

And as for good to eat - the cafeteria offered epicurean delights such as gluten free fudge - hand painted with french cocoa butter, honey teas and even treats for the family dog.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.