Artist Inese Platere with her work.
Mark your calendars now for the 10th annual Clara Barton Holiday Craft Show on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 1-5 p.m. This bazaar will feature gifts from more than 50 artists, crafters, authors, potters, woodworkers and bakers. The Clara Barton Craft Show is a “must-do” for those looking for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts as well as the perfect present for that “hard-to-buy-for person.” The craft show will be held at the Clara Barton Neighborhood Recreation Center, 7425 MacArthur Blvd, Cabin John.
“The Friends of Clara Barton Community sponsor the show each year. The funds we make from table rentals are used to support programs for the children, seniors and families who use the facility. We also make charitable contributions,” said Leslie Barden, Craft Show coordinator. “The show is an opportunity to shop for imaginative holiday gifts and to meet the artists, crafters and authors who created them. We offer free admission, no traffic and plenty of free parking. A few spaces for the show are still available.”
The year’s show will feature quality crafts from a host of returning artists. Dot Proctor, a full-time artist who works out of her studio in Bethesda or on location with her portable easel, will display many of her paintings. Some of her paintings capture the ever-changing beauty of the C&O Canal. Potomac’s Shirley Hendel will be presenting her fused glass, also known as kiln-formed glass or warm glass. Hendel, an award-winning decorative painter for many years, said, “Nine years ago, I discovered the possibilities for expression that fused glass materials and techniques offer and now I work exclusively in that medium.” She specializes in animal-themed art as well as in geometric designs. Much of her fused glass is multifunctional; it can be hung on a wall, displayed on a stand or used as a serving piece. Stanley E Schaper, will bring his handmade picture frames, oil paintings and woodworking; Nancy Russo will feature her children’s sweaters, gloves and pillowcases; Karyn Miele and daughter Gina McClimans will share their handcrafted jewelry – some created from snake skins. Edward Allen Faine, author of seven children’s books will host a table. His “How to Cowboy” is one of his especially popular books.
New to the show this year is card-maker Joyce Mason. “I have been taking watercolor classes for a number of years and one pastel class recently. I had a lot of my art in my house and decided I would take pictures of it and have it printed into original cards,” she said. “I got a good response so I am continuing it.”
Another new face will be Inese Platere – a Latvian oil painter who has been in America for two years. She said, “I am happy that I can share my joy of creating art and hope others like my paintings.”
Sarah Krosner and her son Aaron will feature their professional photography, and spinner and weaver Susan Godell will bring her weavings.
These are just a few of the multitude of artists who will share their talents with shoppers on Dec. 3. Stop by to meet the artists and see creativity at work.