Over Columbus Day weekend (October 11-12), a select group of designers will showcase their work at the Black Barn in High Falls, NY, for the debut of Field + Supply, an event described by founder and interior designer Brad Ford as a modern makers craft fair.

Field + Supply founder Brad Ford; the field at Black Barn

With Field + Supply, Ford is hoping to give participants and visitors a hybrid design event, one that takes a modern, elevated approach to the traditional arts and crafts fair while engendering a festive, less serious experience than a trade show. He imagines it as a cross between Collective Design Fair (of which he is a member of the planning board) and Brooklyn Flea—set in the country.

Ford grew up in the small town of Russetville, AR, where one of the major annual events was the annual arts and craft fair. “As a kid I loved that experience of being surrounded by so many creative people,” he said. “It was always something to look forward to—not just the craft and design but the people. It was very social. As an adult, I long for that experience but my taste level has become a bit more elevated. I wanted to create a similar feeling but in a new context.”

Clockwise from top: Asher Israelow, Apparatus Studio, Remodelista, Materia Designs

The three-day showcase will highlight the work of 20 to 30 artisans makers including Egg Collective, Apparatus Studio, Asher Israelow, Workstead, Materia Design, A.B.K. and The Commons. Antique dealers such as Weinberg Modern and Modern Living Supplies will also participate. The magazine Gather Journal and Remodelista will be curating pop-up booths with some of their favorite products and small batch cocktail companies Jack Rudy and Bulleit are also involved. The product selection ranges from custom to cash-and-carry to antique and local-made products, which celebrate this distinct region.

The Hudson Valley is home to many sophisticated weekenders who work in creative areas—design, food, journalism—and who appreciate great artisanship. Ford hopes other festivities taking place Columbus Day such as the Rhinebeck Antiques Fair and apple picking weekend will draw city dwellers up for the weekend.

“As a resident and business owner in Ulster County, I find it's always a topic of conversation among locals as to how we can help create a more engaged experience within our community,” said Materia Designs Creative Director Megan Sommerville. “Brad developed the idea for the Field + Supply as one way to actively bring together the diverse creative community within the Hudson Valley and NYC. Naturally we wanted to be involved because we share this interest with Brad, and we very much respect his point of view and ability to create spaces which are warm, inviting and engaging.”

Noting the range of exhibitors and aesthetics, Sommerville continued, “Brad is bringing together an incredible mix of designers, vendors and artisans who produce a wide variety of products, which share a soulful quality and exceptional attention to detail. He has pulled together an amazing grouping of people who all compliment one another and create elevated yet accessible products.”

“We were honored that Brad asked us to be a part of Field + Supply,” said Apparatus co-founder Gabriel Hendifar. “He has impeccable taste, so we knew that his choice of participants and venue would be special. It's an opportunity to show work that people have not seen from our studio before in a beautiful setting that is unlike what you would normally expect from a fair. We're excited to see our pieces set against the architecture of the barn and the idyllic, lush surroundings.”

Why the name Field + Supply? “It's happening in a field, but more importantly we’re fielding the talent and supplying the venue,” explained Ford.

Show hours and programming will be announced in the coming weeks. Interested vendors are welcome to contact the show.