Old School Outside

Gladfelter, Kimberly & Bob

Poplar Hollow Studio

Mixed Media

Unique and One of a Kind mixed media folk art is created primarily with gourds, which have been cultivated for both functional and decorative purposes for thousands of years. Many of the gourds we use are grown on our Pennsylvania family farm circa 1886. We hand-select each gourd studying its shape and texture to determine what it wants to be; no two gourds are alike. Our artistic vision draws inspiration from life on the farm where the changing seasons, an affinity for treasures from a bygone era and cherished holiday traditions are all celebrated in our work.

We have been creating our gourd folk art for almost 20 years and various techniques are used. Often the gourd serves as a natural canvas with layers of paint, attention to detail and a multi-step antiquing process bringing the piece to life. In other instances, hand-sculpted paper clay and wood are thoughtfully combined with the gourd creating a natural synergistic composition which is then ready for painting and antiquing. A third technique is carving and/or pyroengraving (burning) the gourd using translucent ink dyes for color. Together the combined techniques produce distinctive folk art pieces that are imaginative, whimsical and festive.

PoplarHollowStudio.net

McKellar, Judith

Judith McKellar

Mixed Media

The sculptors of the Renaissance inspired McKellar to major in sculpture in college where she learned both ancient and modern techniques, among them bas relief. Relief means that the subject matter physically stands out from the background in varying heights to simulate atmospheric perspective. Her work emphasizes the natural world, including flora and fauna as well as domestic animals. Each piece is designed, modeled and cast by McKellar personally.

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Hazelton, Carolyn

Hooked By Lynn

Fiber/Textiles

Hazelton’s hooked rugs are all her own original designs. Inspirations come from antique quilts, tole trays, weather vanes, photos, geometric patterns and creative imagining. All rugs are hooked on new linen.

HookedbyLynn.com

Robinson, Gary & Jeannette

Jack Mountain Crafters

Fiber/Textiles

Handmade brooms are constructed of broomcorn and sapling handles or hand-shaped wooden handles. Various sizes of domestic brushes, including kitchen and clothing brushes, are made using only broomcorn and twine. The history of broom-making, including Shaker and Appalachian influences, are discussed during show demonstrations.

Withnell, Susan

Fiber/Textiles

Withnell is passionate about fiber arts and particularly enjoys spinning yarns from animals she has bred, delivered, raised and cared for. Weaving allows her creative needs to explore color and texture, while designing unique items. Susan Withnell was the 2020 Waterford Fair Artisan of the Year!

ewesfulfiberarts.weebly.com

Van Hart, Linda

Toll House Studio

Jewelry

Botanical portraits are pierced, forged, reticulated, granulated, fabricated repoussé body and architectural adornment. This sculptor takes the jewel out of jewelry focusing on undulating and textural surfaces. Asymmetry and kinetic features lend surprising grace to the larger scale of this work.

As in nature, each piece is as unique as its botanical choice though there are many works in each series. Inspired by Spanish Moss and vines hanging from live oak trees, Taos morning glories, calla lilies, ivy, grapes, dogwood, the Heart Armor and Harriet Tubman series evolved from an inverted milkweed pod for a more abstract appearance. A constant voice in this work is the supple technique of diminished diameter forging. Sterling, 80/20 silver, 14-18 K yellow and rose gold, copper and bronze are occasionally combined with rare gems and Akoya pearls. Historically significant botanical symbols are interpreted with contemporary flair using classic techniques.

TollHouseStudio.com

Ray, Dennis

Nature’s Creations

Jewelry

The Ray family has been participating in the Fair for more than 38 years, and are pleased to be joined by their son, Dennis, who continues the family’s tradition of creating natural botanical wearable art through a unique copper electroforming technique.

Dennis says “My art has been my sole vocation and my passion. Every year, I travel around the world on a mission to collect samples from nature, historic trees, vineyard leaves, noteworthy plant cuttings and return to my studio where I capture them in copper. Often finished with lush patinas and accent paint, each piece I create is one of a kind just as in nature.”

They have been honored to work on special projects with the White House, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the World Wildlife Fund. Their work is also featured in Madeleine Albright’s book Read My Pins.

LeafPin.com

Piazza, Anne

Anne StClair Collection

Clay

Each porcelain ornament or egg features colorful raised detail, providing both visual and textural elements. Piazza strive to convey an emotion with every piece, the response being unique to each individual. Memories of holidays, family, history, or whimsy may all come to mind, the ultimate goal being the creation of future heirlooms to be passed down through generations.

Piazza has chosen porcelain as her medium, as it is smooth and refined in texture but also extremely strong. This clay body is most appropriate for the intricate raised artwork, the signature of her work. The pieces are cast from original molds.

Technique: This is a modification of the historical slip trailing technique used by potters throughout the centuries. The contemporary adaptation to the use of syringes provides the method for capturing the tiniest of detail.

All pieces are signed and dated by Anne Piazza, and include a certificate of authenticity.