ABOUT US
This year’s events—and all future events—are dedicated to our beloved founder Neil Rubinstein.
Neil and Scott Rubinstein, Founders
Neil and Scott were two young woodworkers traveling across the Northeast exhibiting their work at various craft shows. By 1981, Neil and Scott weren’t just woodworkers, they were also fathers, and they wanted to find a way to enjoy and promote their craft while supporting their families. Craft shows were what they knew, so they took matters into their own hands. Rather than working for someone else 5 days a week, they decided to dive into the promotional end of the business and create a show that would be about art and for the exhibitors. They called it the Woodstock Art & Crafts Fair, and it was to be held twice yearly, over Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
The most important ingredients in a good craft show are talented artists and unique, hand-crafted art. So, before advertising and trying to attract customers, Neil and Scott focused on getting exhibitors. They knew that the show was predicated on the art and the artists themselves and that customers and visitors don’t matter if you don’t have the goods. As craftsmen themselves, Neil and Scott were part of artist communities in the Northeast and reached out to fellow artisans– many of whom liked the idea of a craft show run by craftsmen. The show was in the works, and Woodstock, NY seemed like the perfect location for it. Both Rubinstein families had just moved out of the city to this cozy town full of artists and musicians, and the name itself conjured up memories of one of the most successful festivals of the 20th century. After meeting with town officials, the show was approved. But it wasn’t long before the town of Woodstock started worrying. Where would everyone park? Can the town accommodate large crowds? Will a large show disrupt picturesque Woodstock? At the last minute, the town requested that they move the event elsewhere. Neil and Scott weren’t too keen on changing locations; they had already signed a letter of intent with the town, and besides, they thought “Woodstock” had a nice ring to it. Because they were well on their way to signing a formal contract, the town helped them out in finding the brothers a new location– and fast. They were sent to the Ulster County Fairground in New Paltz, just one exit south of Woodstock on the NY thruway. As soon as they set foot on the fairgrounds, they knew it was a perfect fit. The Ulster County fairgrounds offers tons of parking, is nestled underneath beautiful and historic Mohonk mountain in an artsy college town, and is just 1.5 hours north of New York City. And just like that, The Woodstock Art & Crafts Fair became the Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair.
Neil Rubinstein, co-founder and president of Quail Hollow Events, passed away suddenly this winter. His drive, dedication, and radiant zest for life, friendship, and connection will continue to inspire us as we carry on his legacy, producing craft fairs for decades to come. Neil never missed a single fair since 1982, and we vow to honor his spirit for the next forty-plus years. To learn more about Neil, and the founding of Quail Hollow Events, please read on.
OLA
Ola directs most day-to-day operations, and can be reached by phone (845-516-4342) or email. She grew up surrounded by art; her mother, Laura Robbins, is a professional and well-respected mosaic artist. Ola is an art historian with advanced degrees from Colorado College and City University of New York. She has written extensively on local and international art and, prior to devoting her time to Quail Hollow Events, she worked as an art educator, teaching art history at the college level at various schools in NY and NM. She and Tate have two daughters, who appreciate the value of creative expression and can’t wait to work in the ice cream booth in a few short years. Here’s to the next four decades!
