related items
Easton Town Center—that sprawling capital of local capitalism—is known as a maze of prominent name brands and big stores. But from June 26 to 28 it will be something much different, as the Town Center's streets will host nearly 100 artists from about 22 states selling handmade wares at the Easton Art Affair.
For this 10th incarnation of the annual event, the 2009 Art Affair will provide visitors with a colorful array of possible purchases including handmade sign art, garden art, stoneware pottery, gemstone jewelry and original oil paintings, among many other products. Live music will also be played.
Metromix spoke to Barb Huff, Affair promoter, for details on this folksy, organic alternative to regular Easton shopping.
Tell me about the origins of the event. Where did the concept start?
It started right there in Easton. I did it nine years ago. I approached [Easton] about having an art show on the street. We started with it much larger and have condensed it because Easton is such a large center that it was just a little too large. In our 10th year, we're down to 100 exhibitors. It's held on the streets of the Town Square. It's all fine art [and] one of a kind crafts-woodworking, pottery, metal sculpture, furniture. As far as fine art, you have painting, photography and mixed media where they've taken fabric and mixed it along with their painting. All of it is one of a kind. And jewelry; jewelry's a real big hit.
Why choose Easton as a location?
The shoppers there are the kind that would buy one of a kind artwork. That's why I have it there instead of a parking lot or park. I have a built-in customer base.
Has working at Easton caused any difficulties that you haven't encountered working in another area?
No, the only thing with any outdoor venue is the weather. Unfortunately, we have not had one year yet where we can say we've had good weather all three days. It's kind of comical. It's just gotten to the point that if it's scattered thunderstorms, I know they'll be at the Easton Town Center. The good is that they can go inside and shop a little bit and come back out. It does not close my show down.
Do you typically find the artists, or do they find you?
A little bit of both. Being in business for 32 years, I had a real good customer base going into this and a real good reputation with the art community. There are trade publications that I advertise in that they can find me through. A lot of it over the years is finding them at other craft and fine art shows and inviting them to come to our show. That way I can see what they are. It is a juried show. They submit their application to me along with photos. Usually, there are four of us on the jury to admit a person into the show.
What about personal favorites? Are there any artists that you particularly look out for?
Oh God, I just love them all. Since it's the only one show I do, I get to know all of them so I don't really have any favorites. Of course, I look after the people that have been with me all 10 years. That's loyalty. I really appreciate that.
What kind of changes would you like to see happen to the Art Affair?
The thing I always go for is bringing up the quality and bringing in new artists. I do rotate them in and out so the customer coming does not see only the same exhibitor year after year. They like to come and see their old friends, but on the other hand, I need to keep it looking new and fresh. It's kind of like going to the state fair and knowing where the corn dog [stand] has been for the 30 years. For me, I want it to look different because I want that person to be interested and intrigued to go further down and see the artists that are new.
