By Barbara Arnstein
For the second time this summer, the Fine Art & Crafts show, “A Stir of Artists”, will take place in the Village Park of Bemus Point this weekend, August 15th and 16th. (The first part of the 17th annual event was in July.) Unlike most art shows, it is located right next to a beautiful lake. Years ago, it began as “Art in the Park” but it has a new name and lovely location. The scenic setting, gorgeous Chautauqua Lake, provides the perfect backdrop for the many kinds of exquisite handmade items at the event. From 11am-5pm on both Saturday and Sunday, numerous local artisans from Western New York, and others from nearby Pennsylvania, will be selling their artwork and crafts from pop-up tents and booths. “There are several new vendors this year”, said Clair Hansen, its organizer.
There will be so much to admire and acquire! Just some of the items that will be available: bud vases, made by Deb Florian; birdhouses; nature photos and paintings; cute crocheted animals; ceramic mugs and colorful steins; and cards and postcards with images of nature, including scenery and several kinds of birds. There will be wonderful wooden items, including wooden bowls, charcuterie boards, trays and platters; and clocks with wooden backgrounds. Jewelry lovers will find lots of earring and necklace sets, in addition to individual earrings and necklaces. There will also be gentle wind chimes; three-dimensional wall decor, including anchors and butterflies mounted on wood; fashionable handbags; bird carvings; traditional marbles and much more!
Memory quilts, rag quilts, bowl covers and lunch kits will be available from Grammy’s Quilts. “Grammy” said, “Why use wasteful paper towels when you can use my reusable ‘paper’ towels?” Yan Jewelry Designs will offer uncommon chainmail jewelry, with the slogan, “Chainmail Jewelry Made For Knights, But Fit For Royalty”. The Comet company offers big, gloriously old-fashioned marbles with swirling designs. Woodlake Designs sells repurposed vintage flatware. Knottenstuff sells round mirrors adorned with macrame. There will be glass flowers for gardens there, plus images of various birds on greeting cards and in small frames, Christmas tree decorations, and more.
Eb & Flow will have pendants containing Lake Erie beach glass and driftwood. Many large and small framed images available at the event will include a peacock, monarch butterflies, a robin’s nest protecting tiny light-blue eggs, pink lilies and orange lilies. The interesting silhouette items for home decor will include teddy bears, butterflies, and ever-popular Bigfoot. Deb, of Deb’s Diamond Paintings, said, “My resin ‘diamonds’ are placed on a pattern one at a time.”
Besides visiting the vendors, face-painting will be available for kids. Thirsty visitors can enjoy Dirty Sodas. The show will take place at 1 Lakeside Drive in Bemus Point. For more information, check the show’s Facebook page, or email ASOABP @ gmail.com.