Courtesy/LAAC
By Marlane Hamilton
Join regional artists at the Los Alamos Arts Council Spring Arts and Crafts Fair.
The fair will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 5 on the Fuller Lodge lawn.
The Los Alamos Arts Council has presented its Spring Fair every year since 1967.
Featuring nearly 100 of the finest artisans in New Mexico, the Arts and Crafts Fair offers both traditional and contemporary art forms.
All of the items displayed are handmade or handcrafted.
Enjoy items that include pottery, weavings, clothing, wood-working, jewelry and more, while enjoying the pleasure of being in a beautiful park as you browse among the booths.
There will be music with Tito Rio as well as a group from the Los Alamos Community Winds who will be on hand to entertain with some of their special music for Cinco de Mayo.
Food and beverages will be available at the fair. Joe Baldanado will have everything from roasted corn and curly fries to hamburgers and hot dogs.
The Coffee House Café will have that cup of early morning coffee and their delicious scones for sale.
Pottery by Lori Kindler. Courtesy/LAAC
Later, there will be Italian Ice available from Darci Marino.
A variety of jewelry will be featured with many different styles for selection.
With Mother’s Day following the fair, visitors will be able to find something special for all the moms on their lists. Be sure to visit local jewelers Kathy Hjeresen, Mary Ann Somers, Lisa Jo Dunham, Marilyn Lisowski and Audra Short.
Those seeking native American silver designs will find familiar faces such as Evelyn and Frank Chee, Andy Marion, and Everett Toledo at the Fair.
More contemporary designs will include works by Gino Schiavone, Leon Otero, Anna Cupich and Eva and Indino Adakai.
Woodwork enthusiasts will find selections from several artists.
The always popular Adrian Martinez with his inlay pictures will be here once again.
Robert Stauch will feature his beautifully turned colorful wooden bowls and James Black will be showing furniture items.
Olaf Heintz will feature hardwood furniture and small accessories.
Local woodworkers Howard and Kim Granzow and Bill Hamilton will also be exhibiting a variety of items in their booth.
A new artist at this year’s Fair is potter Patrick Cruz from San Juan Pueblo.
He has studied under well-known micaceous artist Clarence Cruz at the Poeh Art Center in Pojaque.
All of the clay that he uses is native to northern New Mexico.
He digs his own clay and processes it, then fires his pots outside, not in a kiln.
His goal is to maintain authenticity to the Pueblo tradition.
Much of his work is functional, including such items as cooking pots, serving bowls and mugs.
Fine art is not the only thing participants will spot at the fair.
Looking for honey? Pistachios? Goat cheese spreads? Specialty vendors will also be at the Fair, so come prepared to fill your pantry or purchase gifts.
This year Del Norte Credit Union is hosting a Mother’s Day Craft Event for children to make a gift for mom. It will take place at the Fuller Lodge Art Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the Craft Fair.
Please RSVP with a time you would like to attend and email vmartinez@dncu.org or call (505) 455-5302. Spaces are limited so reserve yours today.
The Arts Council uses the proceeds from booth rental fees to present cultural programs throughout the year.
In the past year, the nonprofit Council has presented more than 50 arts-related programs, which include an annual Art/Flight Kite Festival, Missoula Children’s Theater, noontime Brown Bag performances at Fuller Lodge, seasonal celebrations such as the Pumpkin Glow and Scarecrow Contest, senior recitals and the guitar series.
Anyone can directly support the Los Alamos Arts Council by becoming a member. Individual memberships are $15.
You are invited to drop by the registration table during the arts and crafts fair, call the office at 663-0477 or visit www.LosAlamosArts Council.org for more information.
The council can also be found on Facebook.
