For much of Telluride, this weekend means popping corks and swishing wine, moving about the streets with empty wine glasses in hand, unlocking the tastes hidden within each bottle. For local artists, however, these next few days serve as a time to display their work for tourists and locals alike.

The Telluride Council for Arts and Humanities holds its annual Celebration Arts Fair in conjunction with the Telluride Wine Festival, from June 24-26. Over the last three years, the fair has moved from its street setting of years past to the tranquility of the Old Wilkinson Library on 134 S. Spruce St.

The fair is restricted to artists within a 50-mile radius of Telluride.

"People can be confident that they're supporting locals," explained Liz Lance, the executive director of the TCAH. "They can know that they're buying from their neighbors and friends."

This year's artists include returnees Patty Denny (Telluride Truffles), Jessica Newens (Tomboy Soap Company), and Brande Thorpe of Brandeylon Jewels, who will all be exhibiting their work. There will also be appearances by longtime arts show veterans Amy Levek, Kathy Green, Barbara Martin, Carmen Tucker, and many more.

This year's fair will also include several new faces. Erik Santiago, who helped Pinhead Institute students with their creation of metal chess pieces for their display in Elks Park during Mountainfilm, will be selling some of his metalwork. Duncan Mackenzie, who will be selling his metal and glass work. From Rico, Amber McOmber will be selling Dandelion jewels. Cynthia Sampson will be selling her pastel and acrylic paintings.

Perhaps the most anticipation surrounds a performance by Kim Perutz, who will demonstrate "Extreme Knitting." The presentation was inspired by a fiber artist from Chicago. The process requires large knitting needles and the use of "unconventional materials," which includes anything from rope to licorice.

"I think this could be a fun, sort of offbeat way to capitalize on the current popularity of knitting and to promote it as a fiber art," Perutz explains.

Local knitters are invited to join Perutz in the knitting circle from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 25. Prizes will be awarded to the knitter who uses the most unusual materials.

The fair is not entirely limited to art appreciation. There will be presentations and workshops in addition to "Extreme Knitting." Norwood's Jana Stone, owner of Fabric of Life, will be giving a free mini-workshop on batik dying. John Hopkins will also give a workshop with fused glass on Friday and Saturday at 4 p.m., and Sunday at 11 a.m.

From 11 to 12:30 on Saturday, Karla Van Huysen will be giving a kids' art workshop for kids ages six and up. The workshop costs $15, and pre-registration is required. Call Liz Lance at 728-3930.

The Celebration Arts Fair takes place on Friday, June 24, from noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 25 from noon to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For those who plan on spending Saturday experiencing the Wine Festival's Toast of Telluride, a stop will be opened up at the fair from 4 to 6:30 p.m.