The Connecticut River Artisan Group, formed 18 years ago, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the arts in northern New Hampshire, Vermont and southeastern Quebec, Canada. The mission of the group is to raise the spirits of individuals, encourage people to participate in activities in our underserved community and support the development of a creative economy in the area. We are a wholly volunteer group providing opportunities and support to new and established artists through a variety of art classes, exhibition opportunities, student summer art camps, plein air events and more. While we are extremely grateful for grant monies which help to support our many activities, we must also rely upon our one fundraising event each fall, our Silent Auction, to cover the expenses of our ever-expanding projects.
The Connecticut River Artisan Group held its thirteenth annual “Starving Artists Silent Auction” from Saturday, August 30, 2025, until noon on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Items for the auction included paintings, photography, pottery and artisan made pieces from CRAG members as well as an impressive plethora of gift certificates and items from local businesses to include Restaurants, Gift Shops, Salons, Automotive, Florists, Lodging, Flight Lesson, Adventure Activities, Massage, Yoga classes and more! 2025 proved to be our best year ever for this fundraiser!
100% of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the arts group and will assist CRAG in continuing to offer their vast array of creative workshops to North Country residents. This includes art exhibits at venues around the region and their gallery within Fiddleheads. Funds raised also help support Plein Air paint-outs, classes, outdoor murals, artist receptions, rentals, and activities. In addition, The CRAG Sculpture Walk (on the grounds of the Great North Woods Center for the Arts – (GNWCA) in Columbia) is an ever-evolving public art project. The serpentine and wooded walkway leads to sculptures by New England artisans, who participate in an open call competition annually, with winners receiving a monetary award. CRAG members volunteer approximately 1600 combined hours a year to support the efforts of the organization.
CRAG wishes to thank all who participated in the auction with their generous bids. In addition, we thank all the local businesses and individuals who donated items, art and experiences.
The Porch on Main, Bear Rock Adventures, Don Noyes Chevrolet, Claudette and Dean’s Place, Li Wah Restaurant, 1840 Restaurant, Colebrook House of Pizza, Tori’s Place, Northern Tire of Colebrook, Kheops International, Strike Zone Pizza Pub, GNWCA, Murphy’s Steakhouse, Pauline’s Boutique, Sissy’s Nail Salon, Lin-Jo Creations, Flowers by Sandra, Solomon’s Store, Coos Auto Supply, L.L. Cote, D.T.M. Small Engine Repair, Ducret’s Sporting Goods, Sheer Image, Coos Brewing Company, Zach Johnsen, Dr. Nathan Drum, George Jacques, Joanne’s Added Attractions, Little Things Flower Shoppe, Raymond LaCasse, Susan Haley, Green Acres, Barbara Nedd, Susan Papstein, Marty Zarli, Martha Barksdale, Nancy Smith, Bette Guerin, Deborah Wells, April’s Maple, Edmond Roy, Jackson’s Lodge, Urban Daughter, North of the 45th, Becky Bunnell, Carriage Lane Players, P.A. Hicks & Son, LaPerle’s IGA, Amber Dodge, Linda Tase, C.F.S.S. Tire & Auto, Valerie Allen, Michele Johnsen, Paul Shepard, Fiddleheads, Dennis Stevens, Grampy’s Drive-In, Creative natives, Pam Choquette, The Old Appletree, Marti Eisele, Grandpa’s Sugar House, Pat Klinefelter, Linda’s Diner, Anne Dickenson, Black Bear Tavern, LaPerle Aviation, Carol Reynolds, Kitty Kerner, Peggy Deyette, Cathy Springmann, The Blossom Shop, Deb Sargent, Spa Food Truck and The Colebrook Chronicle.
If you are an artist or artisan (of any medium) and would like more information about CRAG, please visit our website page for membership or visit us on Facebook. For information about exhibit schedules, membership or to learn how to support CRAG via a sponsorship program, please call 603-237-9302 or email bette@fiddleheadsusa.com or trailsend092@gmail.com.