Arts and Crafts Guild celebrates 10 years at market

RIO RANCHO — The Visionary Arts and Crafts Guild celebrated its 10-year anniversary at an April 5 spring show at the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Susan Sheridan, founder of the guild, was emotional and shocked that it lasted so long.

“I was shocked when we got to 2025. I was like, ‘Wow, it’s 10 years this year.’ I couldn’t believe that we hung in there that long and did it. We’re really, really happy,” she said.

One of the reasons she started the guild was to bring attention to local craft businesses that didn’t get seen at events, she said. Members of the guild go through a jurying process to get into the guild. Aside from craft shows, the guild meets regularly to talk about helpful business tactics.

“A lot of people do this in retirement and do this as a second income or to some, or are still working like myself. We do it on the side just to make a little extra money. We’re passionate about what we’re making and what we’re doing and to share it with the community,” she said.

One passionate craft artist and guild member uses her crafts to bring attention to autism awareness. Kristy Jenkins and her grandmother Jeanette were at the show to sell Diamond Dot Art.

Jeanette said Kristy has autism and is passionate about selling the crafts while also informing people about her disorder.

Sheridan also mentioned Kristy, saying she has been a great addition to the guild. “That’s her outlet to communicate and stuff, which is a really wonderful. She’s been doing great with that,” Sheridan said.

She added that for many of the guild members, it is a way to give back to the community. Currently the guild has 25 members, which has increased over the years, according to Sheridan. They are also always inviting people to join.

There were a variety of crafts offered at the spring show including jewelry, paper products, aprons, carved wood and paintings. Sheridan said over the years, trends have changed so crafts have changed. While some things remain the same, people are always coming up with new ways to be crafty.

“If you have a hobby and a passion creating something, go for it and do it. You never know where it’ll take you to,” Sheridan said.

For more information, visit ssheridan4.wix.com.