The Gifted Hand Show began six years ago when Heiniger was teaching art in Ellsworth. She says that The Gifted Hand Show can be enjoyed by all age groups and both sexes. Although it is primarily middle-aged females, there are couples who come and enjoy it together.

The money raised through this event goes toward a good cause.

"There will be a silent auction done with Friends in Action, which serves the elderly and disabled members of the community," Heiniger tells.

Hosting the Gifted Hand Show can be very stressful for Heiniger, but when it is all set up she enjoys it very much.

"It's sort of like a big party. Around 1,500 people usually attend the show and many people I am not able to see very often, so my favorite part of hosting it would be the social aspect," said Heiniger.

Some of the best sellers are sweaters and mittens. The newest are "up cycled things," meaning that they have been made from recycled material. She mentions that jewelry is always a good sell. Every year the Gifted Hand Show gets 20 to 25 new vendors.

An image gallery of work by the show's artisans can be found at http://facebook.com//fhs.giftedhand. For a full roster of participating artists and craftspeople, detailed directions to the show and more information, visit http://GiftedHandShow.com.