TWIST returns to Noho with version 2.0

Date: 4/28/2009

NORTHAMPTON - TWIST, a craft show-meets-party-meets-gallery-meets-one-stop-shopping-extravaganza, is a fresh kind of fair, showcasing original handmade goods and art from 60 talented vendors from all over New England. To get a feel of the excitement that is TWIST, see their new two minute teaser video at www.twistfair.com.

The event is taking place May 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. and May 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Northampton Center for the Arts, ballroom and galleries, 17 New South St.

Following a tremendously successful launch that attracted thousands of attendees in September 2008, TWIST is returning to Northampton. The spring edition of TWIST, dubbed TWIST 2.0, kicks off with a Market Party on Friday night and will showcase original handmade goods and art from 60 artisans in a lively festival atmosphere, complete with beer on tap for Friday night and a live DJ on both days.

Lexie Barnes, the co-founder and director of TWIST, is a nationally recognized author, accessories designer and entrepreneur. Her first book, "Sew What! Bags" (at www.sewwhatbags.com), from North Adams-based Storey Publishing, was released in February 2009 and is available in bookstores worldwide. She is currently working on the 2010 Lexie Barnes (www.lexiebarnes.com) handbag collection and her next book. Her co-founder and business partner is husband Cory Barnes, owner of Spire USA (www.spireusa.com/index.htm), a highly regarded manufacturer of laptop bags and backpacks.

TWIST 2.0 would not be possible without the support of its generous sponsors. The Presenting Sponsor is WEBS, America's Yarn Store (www.yarn.com). Other sponsors include Valley Advocate/Preview Massachusetts, lexie barnes, WHMP-AM, WRSI-The River, Storey Publishing, Pinch Gallery, Valley Fabrics, Joia Beauty, Dandie in the Underworld, Guild Art Supply, Sticks and Bricks, Sublime Stitching and knitty.com.