An Artful Start to Summer

​What signals the beginning of summer to you? Do you wait for the calendar to tell you it’s officially begun, or do you declare it underway once you’ve planted a flat of annuals, fired up the grill, or popped open a beer on the back porch?

Ray checks out a woodworker's wares

​

​For me, those are all sure signs, but what really kicks off summer is the first festival of the season. Around here, that’s the Newaygo Arts & Crafts Festival, held over the Memorial holiday weekend.

---

​​Some years the festival is better than others (with my definition of “better” based on an index I derive through complex calculations weighted heavily by the ratio of actual artisans and crafters to booths occupied by gutter-guard salespeople and chiropractors).

Lots of artsy and crafty folks this year

​This year, I have to say, the festival was outstanding. Not only were there lots of vendors offering interesting wares, there was also a new addition, “Let’s Art Newaygo!”, that I hope will become a regular feature of the annual celebration. This juried art show and competition showcased the work of twenty-two artists, displayed in thirteen businesses throughout Newaygo. You could think of it as a smaller-scale ArtPrize, the Grand Rapids extravaganza of the arts that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Picture book illustrator Lori McElrath-Eslick entered this painting, titled "Our Dog," in the Let's Art Newaygo competition

I always welcome an excuse to stroll around downtown Newaygo on a sunny day

​​I spent a blissful couple of hours strolling around Newaygo, checking out the works of art. Then I headed back to the River Country Chamber of Commerce booth in Brooks Park to cast my vote in the People’s Choice competition. (Read on to find out which pieces were selected by the judges and the People’s Choice voters.)

---

Sherri Russell's mixed-media collage, titled "Lake Fish Spawning," was created entirely out of recycled materials, including beverage and cat-food cans

​

​I was fascinated to see the variety of materials and techniques the artists used. There were paintings, photographs, sculptures of metal and wood, stained glass windows, and multi-media works. Several artists made creative use of recycled or repurposed materials, which added interest. 

---

​I could go on and on, but words don’t do justice, so I’ll let you take a look at  more of the art. And if you’re in the Newaygo area, you don’t have to settle for pictures—the works will be on display through June 10, and printed guides to their locations are available at local businesses and libraries.

Part of the fun was seeing art displayed alongside merchandise in Newaygo shops. Here's Lori McElrath-Eslick's painting at New Ewe Yarn & Quilt Shoppe

Nancy Markosky calls this jewelry collection "Out of the Ruins." She created the pieces from pure copper, distressed using acid and heat, and hand-set the agate, turquoise and amazonite stones. The work is displayed at Sui Generis Home Furniture.

Mark Andrews's photograph, "Electric Forest," can be seen at 37 North. (Isn't it cool how the colors in the photograph, taken at Twinwood Lake, echo the colors of the clothing, shoes, and even the kayaks in the background? Not intentional, I'm sure, but a happy coincidence.)

Shari Werner's stained glass piece, "Rising Among the Reeds," won third place from both the judges and the People's Choice voters.

This artisan leather bag on display at Sui Generis Home Furniture, was made by Roxanne Middleton

Woodworker Mike Borkowski created this fish, titled "Hank," from some two hundred pieces of wood and copper scraps. The piece won second place in People's Choice.

Gail Howarth's photograph, "Magical Creatures," displayed at 37 North, reflects her passion for nature.

"A Fish Called Lelia," by Jeremiah Corrigan, won first place in People's Choice and second place from the judges.

Lelia flashes a winning smile.

The judges awarded first place to Dawn Campbell for this evening dress made of tobacco leaves and displayed at--where else--Indian River Tobacco Traders.