Art lives in Clarkston, and the Clarkston Community Historical Society will continue to live on because of ‘Art in the Village.?
Although it was the first year for the new name, it was the 30th year for the former ‘Craft and Cider Festival.? The historical society again coordinated an event featuring art, crafts, entertainment and food (including the traditional cider and donut tent).
‘It was probably the best show as to the weather and the crowd,? according to society President Jennifer Arkwright. ‘There was not one hitch in getting the program together.?
While it’s difficult to estimate crowds at an open air event, Arkwright guessed there were between 10,000 and 15,000 people in Depot Park during the two-day festival. What was measurable was the gross income, estimated at about $20,000, with record sales at the society’s four booths.
After expenses are paid, the remainder will go to the historical society’s operations, including the Clarkston Heritage Museum at the Independence Township Library.
‘Our museum can continue on,? Arkwright said.
Festival patrons were attracted not only by the skill of those offering arts and crafts, but by the beauty of the park and the day.
Joy VanBael of Grosse Pointe was visiting relatives in the area, and decided to bring her children to Art in the Village. She was impressed.
‘It’s wonderful to see all the features here,? she said, noting the variety of artisans and crafters displaying their wares.
In addition, ‘Everyone is so friendly,? she said.
Kathy Todd of Clarkston had a hard time picking a favorite. She mentioned a metal welding sculptor and a woodburning artist as being especially worthy of praise, and said it was good just to be in the pleasant surroundings.
‘It’s a beautiful day,? she said, relaxing at a picnic table in the middle of the park, and the ‘really intricate? arts and crafts were impressive.
New this year was the historical society’s antique tent, with items from the 1950s or earlier, including wooden ware, pictures, dishes and collecibles. The silent auction, in which the participating artists donated items, cleared about $2,000 in its first year, Arkwright said.
There were fewer ‘art? booths this year, because the society is trying to get back to the original intent of the event, founded at a time when ‘craft? was used more to describe skilled trades such as blacksmiths and glass blowing.
‘We wanted to go back to more of the finer arts,? Arkwright said, so the more knick-knack style of craft was not as much an emphasis this year.
The historical society always looks for feedback to make future festivals better, and they will meet in coming weeks to review this year’s event. One of the early ideas for the future is an interactive booth to allow children hands-on opportunity to experience various artistic media.
In the meantime, the society is grateful for the participation of artists, crafters, musicians and the public.
‘This show ran like clockwork,? Arkwright said.