In New York, for instance, the most intriguing store openings of the last few months have been shops with a global embrace, offering Chinese furniture, Vietnamese ceramics and Senegalese bed linens.

Some 100 artisans from various parts of the country will offer jewelry, ceramics, rugs, baskets and works made from, among other things, wood, wrought iron, leather and glass.

More than 160 artists will offer museum-quality ceramics, wood, basketry, fiber, jewelry, glass and metal in one of the largest juried shows in the state.

Once again, too, the period artifacts offered - silver, ceramics, textiles, furniture, books and armor - span much of history, about 4,000 years.

The 70 dealers (the number is restricted because of space) offer paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculptures and ceramics from the 19th century to the present.

Visual Arts - Lakeview offers classes in sculpture and ceramics, computer graphics, painting, photography, graphic arts, mechanical drawing, art history, and internet web page design.

Part of the lure to Riverdale in recent years for shoppers has been an increased emphasis on design-oriented businesses, with retailers offering antiques, ceramics, fine fabrics, plants and specialty lighting fixtures.

Many Lisbon craft shops now offer a selection of cork items as well as traditional ceramics, textiles and basketware.

Two hundred artists will offer jewelry, furniture, clothing, toys, ceramics and glass works on Saturday and Sunday, and again on Sept. 15 and 16.

CEIFAR also offers educational activities such as a music program, ceramics, Karate, Capoeira (a Brazilian Martial art), and sewing.