An etching from Maryann Cannon
I love me some craft and artisan fairs, especially when they happen during the fall. I’ve been fortunate to have spent the last two weekends enjoying a ‘true’ fall, with seasonally brisk temperatures, beautiful blue skies, and trees of every autumnal color while also exploring two quaint historical towns full of creativity…
The craft fair I attended was more like a vibrant community harvest celebration. Over and over again, I saw heartfelt hugs and warm laughter shared between folks who clearly knew each other from way back in the day. I explored booths showcasing everything from homemade kids clothing to home décor. The local football, wrestling, soccer and basketball booster clubs were out in full force, accepting donations in exchange for hats, t’s and sweats. I entered a raffle or two and stopped at the park bandstand to hear some talented young musicians play some Zep and Taylor tunes.
Scarecrow for a cause
The town holds an annual scarecrow competition which coincides with the fair, with every light pole along the main drag featuring a bespoke offering, all sponsored by the local businesses and made by the local high school art students with prizes going to the top three vote getters. I didn’t actually end up buying any crafts but I did manage to leave with locally grown apples, homemade lavender scented soaps and French bread, and a few flower seed bombs for the garden – a good haul from a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Rubbing off the excess ink is an essential step in the etching process
The Wheaton Arts 2023 Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts was way more of a regional thing, with thousands of attendees gathering over the weekend to explore juried arts, music, food, and a glass pumpkin patch for charity. There had to be a 100+ booths, featuring jewelry, fiber arts, paintings, pottery, glass, and more for sale. A number of the artists provided demonstrations, which I always love. I was especially fascinated by Rob McPaul, who spent considerable time explaining the painstaking process behind his McPaul Bead Scenes, process, and Maryann Cannon, who showed me the steps which go into making her wonderfully elaborate intaglio etchings.
A lovely cardinal painting
I also got to explore the Museum of American Glass, which was beyond fascinating, especially the ‘Alchemy of Adornment’ exhibit showcasing elaborately detailed glassworks made by Amber Cowan. I almost never buy fine art pieces for myself, but impulsively purchased work from Hou-Tien Cheng and Painted Stitches, which I will give as gifts this holiday season, with the hope that the recipients love each piece as much as I do.
A wall of glass molds at Wheaton Arts Museum of American Glass
As we head towards Halloween the number of fall festivals is dwindling, but I am hoping to make one last show this weekend. Here’s hoping for a few more days of sunny skies, fall colors, cooler temps, and lots of interesting things to look at – and remember…
*When I Paint My Masterpiece – Bob Dylan
The Grey Goddess 