This marks the fifth year of this juried art fair; an intimate show with over 30 artists from the region displaying and selling their handmade fine art and fine craft. The show will have a mixture of artists new to the show along with some past participants. Taking place on Saturday, November 18th from 10am – 5pm, entry is $4 at the door, chilren under 6 free. A portion of the proceeds from the entry fee go to support the Yellow Springs Police Coat Fund and a Yellow Springs high school scholarship fund for students advancing their education in the arts.
A full third of the artists will be participating in Art & Soul for the first time. The show’s promoter, Lisa Goldberg, also produced the popular Yellow Springs Artist Studio Tour and Sale from its inception in 2004 until the event ended in 2015.
“This seems like a natural follow-up to the Studio Tour, says Goldberg, “and we are honored to have such high quality arts and fine crafts professionals in one place. Every year the show gets better with more people applying and a stronger pool of artists to choose from.” The show is juried by at least three arts professionals who meet and view the images of the applicants and choose whom to invite. This year the jury was even tougher than in past years, trying to once again up the quality of work exhibited at the show.
The shows’ name, Art & Soul was chosen because “artists put their souls into the making of their work” says Goldberg. Goldberg is excited about the lineup of artists for the show this year. Art & Soul will have a little bit of everything available: wearable’s, glass work, pottery of all kinds, upcycled and repurposed items, art quilts, many types of jewelry, photographs, drawings, leatherwork, sculpture, handmade and decorated journal, purses and bags, scarves and gloves, plates, platters, sponge holders, necklaces, beadwork, spreaders, furniture, clocks, handmade beads, upcycled clothing- functional and decorative work galore in all price ranges.
Beth Holyoke, new to this years’ show, creates whimsical clay work including sculptural heads and figures, planters and more. Also new to the show is Amy Dillon of Preble Clayworks who’s pottery holds striking imagery. Others working in clay include Megs Levesseur, Kate and Dave Chesar of Oakwood, Sara Hawks and her decorative functional ware, Jancy Jaslow, and Kimberly Rorick and of Indiana all have their own styles and specialties. Some of the ceramic artists are hand-builders, while others create their pots on a potter’s wheel.
Jewelers abound this year with newcomers Daina Dickens with her intricately woven beadwork & Susie Brand with her high quality jewelry, Avery Applegate’s repurposed assemblages, Janet Webb’s handcrafted sterling silver jewelry using some torch-fired enamel which adds color to her pieces; Alice Young-Basora, work with handmade and purchased beads and upcycled objects (and clothing), Krissie Mastin’s inspirational jewelry created from recycled materials and Ben Jordan returns to the show this year with his hand etched jewelry.
Erin Walmsley joins the show this year and adds an all-new element in wearable fibers withher beautifully woven clothing and accessories. Nicci Seibert will present her clothing, blankets and accessories made from recycled clothing. They are joined by Award winning Pam Geisel and specialize in modern art quilts and newcomer Holly Underwood focuses on art quilts, bags, rugs and ornaments. These artists bring a large repertoire of items including clothing bags, quilts, gift items and journal covers. Lucy Chapman uses natural fibers to create felted functional pieces including bags, scarves, gloves and accessories.
There are three brand new artists with 2-dimentiional art: Jeremy Nickoson, brings his artful nature photography in the form of prints, cards, calendars and more; the very popular Bellbrook artist Andrea Starkey with her woodprints, often also inspired by nature; and Jennifer Float creating mixed media work using layers of vintage papers, painted paper and acrylics on canvas. All these artists are bringing exciting new elements to the show this year.
Glass fusion work by Sara Gray and Dylan Engler’s includes platters, bowls, clocks, and accessories providing both decorative and functional elements for the home and office. John Boyett creates affordable, functional blown glass. Theresa Mayer uses lamp work to create work beads to ornament her jewelry and accessories.
Juliette Montague & Greg Stange of StangMont Design use up-cycled materials, whether it be last years colors & scraps of full grain upholstery, leather, and old leather coat, a coffee pot or a tin can. Look for a lot of variety in their creative inventory. Michelle Litell create things from paper while and Les Thede crafts furniture and furnishings made from maple, cherry, oak and ash.
The show is excited this year to have a mother and daughter sharing a booth for Art & Soul. Colette Palmer of Urban Baby Bonnets makes fun, funky & totally handmade sun hates (with ears) for babies, kids and grown ups. Her 9-year-old daughter, Zazu Metcalf, Zutique, creates lovely handmade cards and other paper ephemera.
Join Art & Soul for the kick off to Holiday in the village at Mills Lawn School, located adjacent to the downtown-shopping district. While you are in the village look for unique shops, galleries and restaurants, public and gallery art. Catch a matinee the Little Art Theater, visit the Raptor Center or take a hike in the Glen. Don’t forget to plan to have lunch in one of the many wonderful restaurant of Yellow Springs.
Art & Soul provides an excellent opportunity to buy handcrafted work directly from the maker – be it a gift for the holidays or a little something for the buyer.
For more information on the Art & Soul:
http://www.ysarts.org/artSoul.html or 937-767-7285