Arts and crafts fairs merge
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Oxford Museum Association and the Oxford Arts Club craft shows have merged to form the 44th Hueston Woods Arts and Crafts Fair scheduled for June 7 and 8.
Brad Cotterman, coordinator of the event, said the two arts and crafts shows split 20 years ago and were run independently since then. This year, however, he said the time was right to reunite into one larger and more diverse event.
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"The event is dedicated to Marge Barker," Cotterman said. "It's in recognition of the many years she has served the arts and crafts community."
The Oxford Museum Association is sponsoring the event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Hueston Woods Pioneer Farm. Cotterman said proceeds will go toward maintaining local historical sites.
Cotterman added that this year's show has a good mix of returning crafters from both events and a considerable number of new artists. He said local favorites such as Barker Ornaments, Stousland LOVE jewelry and Rigini Simas pottery are always popular attractions.
Ralph Barker, owner of Barker Ornaments, ran the Oxford Arts Club annual June Craft Show prior to the merger, and this year's event is dedicated in his mother's honor. According to www.barkerornaments.com, the Arts and Crafts Fair will be the first chance to purchase the newly designed 2008 ornawooden ornament line.
Barker was under the weather and unavailable for comment about the merger, but said in a letter to Arts and Crafts Fair exhibitors he would not have the time to organize the Oxford Art at Craft Show this June, so he arranged to have the fair combined.
Cotterman said more than 60 exhibitors are planning to attend, but the event is still accepting applications. Cotterman said many different kinds of arts and crafts are scheduled, such as wheel pottery, sketches, photography, weaving and iron sculptures.
This year's featured artist is Dan Dutra, a first-year participant in Oxford's arts and crafts fair. Originally from Oxford, Dutra said he's excited about the opportunity to be back at home.
"I loved the fair as a kid," Dutra said. "Oxford is my hometown, so the fair is a great reason to come home."
Dutra's skill is woodturning. Dutra explained that woodturning consists of placing wood horizontally and spinning it down with a chisel, with various chisels used to form different kinds of cuts on the wood.
The Oxford Museum Association will offer tours of the 1836 Doty Homestead and the 1840s Pioneer Barn will be available throughout the event, with food service offered on the grounds.
For information contact Brad Cotterman at (513) 523-6444.
