The Salem Art Fair & Festival

Today I decided to make my way to the 66th annual Salem Art Fair and Festival.

Held the third weekend in July, this juried art fair features over 200 regional, national, and international artists.  Twenty-five years ago we moved to Salem in July, and I think the Salem Art Fair is one of the first best things we discovered about our new home.  The artwork is always of high quality, and there are items at all price points.  It’s always a lot of fun to see if you can find that special piece that speaks to you.

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This year I was surprised to see more fiber artists.  Perhaps that’s because I am now more aware of the fiber arts.  Check out this fascinating embroidered work: Yan’s Design – Handmade Embroidery Art (link leads to video of the work being done).  She paints on silk and then hand embroiders the detail.  Amazing!  Also lovely was the weaving by Bautista Weaving:

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I loved the canopy of old oak trees that provided much-needed shade at Bush’s Pasture Park, on this day when it was nearly 100 degrees by 1:00.

The heat did me in.  I headed home, slightly burnt and somewhat disappointed that I was done for the day.  The festival continues tomorrow; I can always go back if it calls to me.

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I found just two treasures to bring home, but I was very pleased with them.

The first is the bar of handmade soap I was looking for to send to my swap partner in the Summer Spa Swap we’re having in my Ravelry group.  If you missed this swap, keep an eye out for the next one!  (But I digress!)  I found ArtSoap, which is made by creatively arranging pieces of glycerine soap and then slicing them – think millefiori.  The ArtSoap is definitely a unique look, but it smells divine!  I am hopeful that my swap partner will like it.  Their website is sophisticatedsoap.com.

I also found this sweet coneflower mug made by Fishbowl Pottery.  I just love it and think the design is perfect!  I love the colors and the sculptural texture of the flowers.  Love!

I hope you have enjoyed checking out the Salem Art Fair & Festival with me.  I didn’t even mention the food, the live music at the two bandstands, and the performances by the Children’s Educational Theatre!  If you ever have the chance to visit, it is well worth the trip.