The yearend holidays are just around the corner, and that means the annual Arts Alive Arts and Crafts Festival is even closer.
It's set for the usual time, the after-Thanksgiving weekend (which this year is Friday through Sunday, Nov. 26-28), and the usual place, Tillett Gardens.
After 18 years of Arts Alive fairs and festivals, you might think it's hard to come up with something new for the 19th. Not so, founder Rhoda Tillett says, sharing these examples:
— Among the first-time exhibitors will be English wood-turning artist Matthew Calder, who will display his one-of-a-kind shaped and polished hardwood sculptures and demonstrate how they are produced.
— An assortment of original ceramic bowls will be exhibited until Sunday at 2 p.m., when they will go up for auction in the "Empty Bowl Project" organized by local potters Gail Schmiedt- Felix and Lynn Berry. They are inviting local clay artists to contribute works to be sold to the highest bidder, with the proceeds to benefit local agencies that provide food and shelter to those in need. Vitelco spokeswoman Katrina White-Comissiong will be the auctioneer. (Potters who haven't been contacted or who would like more information can call Berry at 776-0901 or Schmiedt-Felix at 774-7637.)
— Exhibitors will compete for a record five cash prizes: the John Lovatt Award for best in crafts ($100), the David O'Neill Award for best in fine arts ($100), the Ira Smith Award for best student exhibitor ($50) and the David O'Neill Award for best of show ($200).
Throughout the three days, and into the evening on Friday and Saturday, there will be live entertainment in Tillett Gardens, including traditional mocko jumbie dancing and quelbe music.
"The holiday festival traditionally kicks off the yearend shopping season," Tillett says. "Exhibition space is filling up, but some is still available on a first-come basis. I would especially like to see a few more fine art painters."
Any artist or artisan wanting an application form or further information about exhibiting should call 775-1929, fax to 775-9482 or send an e-mail to tillett@islands.vi. Any musician or other performing artist available for a one-hour gig on any of the three days should do the same.
For more on-line information about the fair, go to www.tillettgardens.com.
