The 12th annual Artisans’ Holiday Faire sponsored by Illinois River Valley Arts Council, a free family-friendly event, returns to Lorna Byrne Middle School gym this weekend, offering buyers a variety of gifts for every taste and purse.
The faire features:
Face painting by Wrenn, Saturday noon to 3 p.m. and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus Sunday 10 a.m. to noon.
Performances by professional musicians include Tim Wallace and Michelle LeComte, followed by George and Anwyn Leverett Saturday and songs by Event MC Kris Wildman throughout the weekend.
An open carol sing-along takes place at 1 p.m. both days and Terry Davis plays guitar Sunday afternoon.
Among 40 artisan booths, visitors will find:
*Collaged ornaments from Rebecca Pearson, sharing space with knitter Isobel Gaige and artist Trudy Stehelin.
*New this year: Jordan Reyes’ seeded bead jewelry and Diane Miller’s amazing pine needle baskets.
*Jewelry makers Joyce Dodson, Marian Parker and Sarah Peterson will each have their own booth of unique pieces. Jacquie Bauwens offers jewelry and painted ornaments. Starlite Robinson will have jewelry and ceramics.
*Kendall Art Glass features hand-blown vases while Miri Admoni offers jewelry in glass and mixed media.
*Beloved Cookie Lady Hazel Griffith and her crew return with cookies by the pound to raise funds for Kerbyville Museum.
*Food gift booths include Brenda Cooper’s hot sauce, Donnalee Smith’s award-winning jams and jellies, and Donella Shea’s candy and herbs.
*Fine artists include Penny Niemi and Ernie Elmer’s abstract painting and photography, Sheridan Lee’s sculpture and jewelry and Ariana Jurisic’s paintings. Charlotte Krebs will show her paintings of animals.
*Michelle Windust offers nature-themes paintings and photography and Jennifer Folkerts will have hand-made greeting cards.
*Gifts for home and hostess include Joyce Fence’s aprons, Jessica Spielthof’s vinyl printed mugs and Jill Gruenberg’s handmade pot holders and pillows.
*Roxanna Chestney’s dish scrubbies are popular stocking stuffers. Ruth Benson and Ginger Morrow’s display includes pillows, tea towels and stuffed toys. Pam White offers tallow skin care products.
*Noralene and Doug Harland will display garden art and cement garden plaques.
*Fiber artist Carole Hanson offers knitted hats. LMT Tina Haemmerlein will have massage gift certificates and knitted hats. Hank Ebert’s specialty is beautiful, sturdy upholstery fabric totes. Bethany Horne offers leather art.
*Iris Chinook will have hand-spun yarn and hand-crafted textiles. Sally Beck offers crocheted items.
IRVAC’s concession offers hot drinks, soups, stews, and baked goods. The group will also provide a free kids’ craft table and a raffle of holiday gifts.
Funds raised by this event go toward IRVAC’s “Learning Through Arts” free program in I.V. public schools. Devon DeNoon will sell 3-D printed ornaments to raise funds for 3-D workshops at the library.
Lorna Byrne Middle School is in Cave Junction on Junction Ave. at Lister St. Faire hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. You can call 541-218-8501 for more information.