Craft Works Stolen at Massachusetts Art Festival

Police seek help from artists and public.

n entire line of jewelry, valued at $323,000, was stolen on May 31 from an exhibitor at the Paradise City Art Festival in Northampton, Mass. According to Detective Christopher Bruneau of the Northampton Police, the theft occurred when the jewelry was unattended for a short period of time. Designed and created by artist Michelle Krespi, the works consisted of 18k gold pieces inset with precious and semi-precious gemstones.

A reward is offered for information lead-ing to the recovery of the jewelry or prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the theft. Anyone with information is asked to call the Northampton Police Department at (413) 587-1100.

This is the second notable loss by a craft exhibitor in 2004. In The Crafts Report’s inaugural Voices of Experience column in July 2004, jewelry artist Sharon Teaman spoke of her career-threatening challenges following a similar theft at a show at the Dulles Convention Center in Virginia.

In 2002, the Professional Show Managers Association (PSMA) published guidelines for their members regarding public safety and security for indoor shows. Craft exhibitors at indoor or outdoor venues should protect themselves by asking show organizers about security preparations and plans, as well as by developing their own personal plans for safeguarding their works and their customers.

Some work by Kespi similar to that stolen from the show.

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