Bill Ronay & I zipped up US 441 to Athens this afternoon to a parking lot at the corner of Pulaski & Clayton Streets to see local and regional craft makers and a few artists selling their wares; and it was as if we'd gone back in time to the '70s when we started doing craft shows! I know... the work (all handmade, not buy/sell AT ALL) is playful and hip, vintage and very often eco-friendly...
The exhibitors were retro; for the most part, congenial; and very excited to show their work. Yvonne Miller of Four Footed Art was my favorite artist. And that could have been because she was mainstream and modern, all at the same time.
Yvonne has 32 shows on her schedule for 2009, including the Hatch Market in Griffin next weekend and many traditional events such as Grant Park and Brookhaven in Atlanta and Riverside Art Festival in Jacksonville and Festival in the Park in Charlotte.
She & Sara , the coordinator, were very helpful telling about Indie events. Sara has been coordinating the Craftstravaganzaa in Athens for four years. 2009 is the first time it was two days. Christy Petterson co-ordinates two Atlanta events in Centennial Park (the next one is May 30-31) and has been interviewed by pbaonline, and her show has recognized in USA Today.
In this era of change, Indie craft events are gaining popularity and visibility. It's easy to find them.
Check one out in your area. You'll flash on back 30 years, I guarantee. You'll be talking about grilling behind your booth and drinking beer at Arts Festival of Atlanta before you can help yourself. Change, or reliving your young adulthood? You decide!
