Art Fairs, Art Fun, Art Folks

You never know where art will take you.  There are times to plan and set goals and other times to let things just flow and see where it leads.  Earlier this year I met Emily Smith at a one night art show in a church nearby.  Not only do we share a love of vintage, but I think we are traveling the same path of late.  She's opened up my world to several art groups where in a short time I've met some wonderful artists and tried some new art techniques.  I've learned that the artist community supports one another; sharing of their craft, their experiences, and their encouragement.

Emily and I signed on (at the last minute) to our first outdoor festival.  It was a wonderful experience and well run with a huge interactive focus.  This was the fourth IART Show put on by the Redford Parks and Art Conservancy  www.rpaconservancy.org.  Turnout was fair, given the heat of the weekend.  But the connections and interactions with the artists and crowd was well worth it.  We both sold a few things and made a little money, but more so, there was an encouraging array of comments that soothes the soul and valuable information about other connections for future endeavors.

Emily creates beautiful totes, aprons, and other useful items from vintage laces and fabrics, be it a tablecloth or table runner. She also makes lovely vintage dolls with polymer clay, fabric flowers, bears from vintage chenille, etc. etc. etc. Isn't that the way of most artists? One thing leads to another. Because I create mixed media from a variety of items from found items, be it collaged framed pictures, trinket boxes, jewelry, journals, etc etc. etc., each item is one of a kind and always with a vintage feel. In talking with those that stopped by, it is clear that using the old to make the new, is a wonderful way of not only being 'green', but connecting generations. Here are a few photos of our booth:

So, there are several shows coming up in  September that we need to get ready for.  We hope to be at Greenmead on September 9 in Livonia, the Antique Barn on September 15/16 in Northville, and possibly a few others.  We have other things in the works, too, so stay tuned.