By Jessica Schultz
Everyone needs a bit of beauty in their life these days. A nice sunny day, fresh air, beautiful art, lovely homemade items. Who doesn’t love to look at finely crafted work that is done by the hands of those who are dedicated and talented and that create wonderful things that we could take home to enjoy? If you have a hankering for a road trip, you could head down to Kane, PA and visit Evergreen Park on June 25th and June 26th for the Annual Art in the Wild, juried artisan and craft show. (Evergreen Park is located on Route 66 (S. Fraley Street) between Chestnut Street and Birch Street.)
The Villager had a chance to speak with Director Merry Ryding on this year’s event and what it was to offer.
Villager (V): Art in the Wild is back for its 16th year in 2022; what’s new this year?
Merry (M): “We have several artists and artisans who are new to our show this year. They include painters, ceramic, jewelry and fiber artisans.”
V: Will you be keeping the CDC guidelines of distance from last year’s event?
M: “We continue to watch the CDC guidelines for outdoor events in our area and we are confident the spacing will follow those guidelines.”
V: What artists can be expected?
M: “Many artists and artisans enjoy our show so much they return year after year but we also like to include new artists with new styles and techniques. This year we will have tents brimming with jewelry, ceramics, glass and wood workings, wearable and non-wearable fiber arts, paintings and drawings, metal sculpture and more.
Ceramic artists include Lana Heckendorn, Stacy Johnson-Leske, Karen McKee, Krysta Robinson, Amanda Wolf, Francine Zajac. These artisans create a variety of pottery pieces that are both functional and beautiful. Three fiber artists include weavers Pamela Bartl and Jill Rouke, and felt worker Debbie Penley. Glass artists include mosaic artist Amy Hahn, lamp worker Kalpana Lehman, fused glass worker Kathleen Schnell, and wearable glass artist Dan Sullivan. Several Jewelers in the show include Mimi Antonetti, Gerina Faison, Megan Gillis, Peggy Houser, Christina Krautz, Laurie Leonard, Donna Little, Kaylee Taylor, and Heather Thompson. Artists working in 2D include 2 Mixed Media artists: Lisa Arkus, Dawn Johnson. Painters include nature and wildlife painters Chandler Beatty, Jack Paluh and Al Dornisch, and watercolorists Alexis Rodefer and Denise Drummond. Ellen Paquette add whimsy to the 2D lineup. Photographers Larry Downey, Rocky Holland, Curt Weinhold, and Michael Weishan focus on regional wildlife and landscapes. Two sculptors work in metal: Anthony Arkus and Mark English. Three artisans producing functional pieces in wood include Gregg Kristophel creating greenware, Jack Northrop woodturnings, and Robert Vrboncic fine wood working.
V: Is the Student Art Show back for this year?
M: “Yes, it is. This year Arts in the Wild will focus on select work from the students of Kane High School. They will be represented in the Hospitality tent.”
V: Could you give the dates and times for the weekend please?
M: “The show is Saturday, June 25th from 10-5pm and Sunday, June 26th from 10-4pm.
V: Anything else to add?
M: “There is some important info to note. Admission to Art in the Wilds is FREE! Food and beverages are available from vendors located on site at Art in the Wilds, and several local restaurants located near the show. Art in the Wilds hosts a breakfast at the Kane Elks Club on Saturday and Sunday for a small fee. There will be portable toilets, including one handicapped, located on site. An ambulance crew are available in the case of medical emergencies. Art in the Wilds has a hospitality booth staffed by volunteers. There is an ATM located on Birch Street across the street from the show. It is very important to note that The Borough of Kane prohibits smoking, alcohol, and dogs (with the exception of certified service dogs) in the park. The ordinance prohibiting pets in the park will be enforced. Free parking is available nearby and handicapped parking is available at the point of the park on Birch Street. We hope to see a lot of our communities visiting the show.”
Thank you, Merry, for taking the time to speak with us. And thank you to the whole Art in the Wilds team for setting up such a special event.
Caption: Arts in the Wilds will have tents brimming with jewelry, ceramics, glass and wood workings, wearable and non-wearable fiber arts, paintings and drawings, metal sculpture and more. Photos/ https://www.facebook.com/ArtInTheWilds/photos