GFWC Juried Arts & Crafts Show Returns to the Mountain State Forest Festival

Elkins, WV, September 23, 2025: The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) of Elkins is proud to present the highly anticipated Juried Arts and Crafts Show as part of the iconic Mountain State Forest Festival from October 2 to October 4, 2025. The show will be open each day from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Martin Fieldhouse on the Davis & Elkins College campus in Elkins, West Virginia. Visitors are encouraged to browse homemade goods, support local creativity, and celebrate a treasured tradition that has shaped the festival across generations.

This event is juried: Festival panelists evaluate each application on its originality, quality, and creative vision. Artisans and crafters are given recognition and awards for their work that enriches the region’s heritage and celebrates its creative spirit.

Everything on display at the GFWC Juried Arts and Crafts Show is completely handcrafted, from colorful paintings to ceramics, jewelry, baked goods, and candies. Each item is created with love and originality. Indoor vendors, including local bakeries and candy makers, will sell their delicious treats, turning the old gym into a festive bazaar showcasing authentic Appalachian culture. The exhibition is a special highlight of the festival as well as a cultural haven for art enthusiasts. Guests, students, and families can engage with artists and discover unique gifts, which deepens connections through artistic exchange.

The GFWC Juried Arts & Crafts Show is open to the public for three days and is one of the many festival events that define Elkins every October. These events include parades, live music, lumberjack competitions, and the ceremonial crowning of the Queen of the Forest Festival, “Queen Silvia.”

Since the festival’s founding in 1930, it has been intertwined with community tradition and pride, rooted in a commitment to honor West Virginia’s natural resources and cultural heritage. With the festival taking place in October, the perfect autumn weather marks the start of the fall season, creating a warm and inviting environment for visitors of all ages. From humble beginnings as a homecoming celebration, the event has evolved into one of the state’s most prominent and lasting festivals, now bringing in more than 125,000 attendees annually.

Visitors interested in the festival’s rich history can also take part in guided tours of Elkins and explore cultural attractions that radiate the same vibrant energy and joyful spirit as the festival’s celebrated arts and crafts show. From arts and music to well-established traditions, the festival’s legacy is reflected in every handcrafted piece for sale and each fallen autumn leaf across Randolph County.

This annual event not only provides a platform to showcase local talent but also promotes community pride, while strengthening local business owners and reinforcing Elkins’ status as a destination for arts and cultural heritage. Artists and vendors interested in participating in next year’s event may contact the GFWC Woman’s Club of Elkins or the festival office for application details. Information on festival schedules, locations, programs, and historical highlights can be found on the official Mountain State Forest Festival website.

About the Author: Guia Gomez is currently a student at Ulster University in Belfast, studying Communication, Advertising, and Marketing. She is completing her third year at Davis & Elkins College. Originally from Donegal, Ireland, she is pursuing a career in communications that will allow her to meet new people and work on innovative projects.

This press release is next in a series written by Davis & Elkins College students for the Mountain State Forest Festival, created as part of an introductory public relations course.