Thursday, 24 September, 2009 9:52
by Tarah
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Freda Powell
(318) 673-7703
Su*Stella
(228) 263-2333
ART AFFAIRE IN THE GARDENS AT THE BARNWELL CENTER
The Friends of the Barnwell are pleased to announce the opening of Art Affaire in the Garden – an Arts Market on Saturday October 17, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. From the unusual to the unique, an impressive showcase of handmade arts and craft will be on sale with plenty to appeal to both locals and visitors. A treasure-trove of handcrafted works in glass, jewelry, fiber arts, mixed media, visual art, photography, sculptures, homemade body care products and souvenirs and more can all be found here! It's worth a visit if only to browse! Art Affair in the Garden – An Art Market will be held Saturdays March thru December from 10 am to 3 pm except on major holidays.
Art Affaire in the Garden is yet another way that the Friends of the Barnwell are supporting Louisiana artists and craftsmen. Art Affair in the Gardens will provide a dependable and highly affordable marketplace for artists to sell their artwork, in a delightful environment that serves as an inexpensive weekend storefront for their creative efforts. Some artists will participate every Saturday, while others are new each week, assuring visitors of an ever-changing array of art and creative products to view on every market day. No mass-manufactured or assembled products will be sold. The artist who makes the art is there to display and sell the art. Art Affaire in the Garden – An Arts Market will provide an opportunity to meet the artists and craftsmen, discuss their work, and to buy unique hand-made products direct from the creator.
The Friends of the Barnwell also operates …the store at the Barnwell Center which features handmade art from artists from across the state. When asked if this was a duplication of service Barnwell Center Director, Freda Powell stated, "I see this as an expansion of service". She explained, "…the store at the Barnwell Center offers handmade works that have gone through a vigorous jury selection by the Louisiana Crafts Guild. The items sold in …the store are primarily representational of the artists who are members of this state sanctioned organization. Not every artist wants to be a part of an organized group. The artist participating in Art Affaire in the Garden will be juried and must maintain a standard of quality but they will not have to join a member organization to make their work available."
Art Affaire in the Garden will also offer a variety of Louisiana grown plants for the home and garden. "We are a garden and art center", Powell stated, "and we want people to have an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful botanicals that are nurtured in our area. We hope to have participation from our garden clubs who specialize in orchids, bonsai and day lilies as well as unique plants from individuals who are looking to share."
In these days of chain-stores and shopping centers, a visit to Art Affaire in the Garden – an Arts Market will be a special shopping experience as you visit this unique open-air market with a variety of stalls nestled amongst the shady trees or under a festively decorated tent - each with its own distinct personality. The result, a market of charming eccentricities, full of happy surprises!
Anyone interested in joining Art Affaire in the Garden- an Arts Market as a vendor, performer, or demonstrating artist should request an application by calling 673-7703 or emailing thebarnwell@centurytel,net. The deadline for the October 17 Market is September 29, 2009 with notification of acceptance on October 6. Applications thereafter will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will be viewed monthly on the third Wednesday of the month. Accepted applicants will be notified the following week in order to be set up for the first Saturday of the upcoming month.
The Barnwell Center is located on the Shreveport riverfront at 601 Clyde Fant Parkway.