Close to 100 artists will fill Depot Park Sept. 18-19 for the 30th Art in the Village. While many of this year’s featured artists represent areas from around the country, two individuals will help keep the Clarkston feel going strong downtown: Karey Bassett and Colleen Truesdell.
Bassett, of Clarkston, works with beads and will be showcasing various forms of her work from glass beads to framed creations.
‘When I started out, not that many people were doing it,? Bassett said. ‘I do a lot of different things.?
Originally starting with simple beading, Bassett moved onto to making her own glass beads and using a kiln to fuse glass. She also frames certain bead projects for a different look.
‘I just can’t stop working with pearls and semi-precious,? Bassett said.
Beading is a legitimate business for Bassett and she devotes as much time as possible to it: White Willow, LLC. For this year’s show she plans on displaying items with a fall theme.
‘I’ll be showing some glass art that fits in with the art fair’s new name,? Bassett said.
Bassett, a returning artist to Art in the Village, enjoys participating in the Clarkston art fair.
‘It’s one of the most picturesque locales for an art show,? Bassett said. ‘The historical setting really adds to the show for both the artists and visitors.?
Local art shows are just one way to bring a greater sense of art awareness to the community in Bassett’s mind.
‘I think that there’s an awareness that there’s art in many, many things,? Bassett said. ‘You can appreciate art for art’s sake.?
Joining the Clarkston influence is Truesdell, a new face in this year’s art fair.
‘We’ve always gone walking through it (fair), but to be a part of it is really fun,? Truesdell said. ‘Art in the Village is my debut.?
Truesdell, an employee at Basketful of Yarn, will bring a variety of knitted products to the fair, ranging from scarves, hats and felted purses.
‘I got into this and I love it. It’s not even work to me,? Truesdell said.
Teaching knitting classes at the store, Truesdell has noticed the increase in people interested in the hobby.
‘I think the knitting craze is fabulous. It’s nice companionship and therapy to some people,? Truesdell said.
Since this year’s fair is Truesdell’s first show, she is looking forward to the responses her work receives.
‘I’m looking forward to having my stuff displayed, talking to people and getting feedback,? Truesdell said.
In addition to the items on display that day, shown on pieces designed by husband Bob, Truesdell will also take special orders for knit ponchos, a favorite fashion accessory this fall.
‘Some people say it’s an art, but I say it’s just fun,? Truesdell said.
Admission to Art in the Village, formerly the ‘Crafts and Cider Festival,? is free. The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 18 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 19. For more information, contact the Clarkston Community Historical Society at (248) 922-0270.