Sacred heart silver jewelry piece by artist Gregory Segura. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By Kirsten Laskey
In tough economic times, people scale back. They tighten their belts and trim away anything unnecessary. At first glance it may appear that being frugal is no fun; however, a closer look reveals a far different picture.
Pinching pennies can unleash creativity – just take a look at what will be on sale at the Fuller Lodge Art Center’s Summer Arts and Crafts Fair, which runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday on the lawn behind Fuller Lodge.
Paintings of horses by artist Karen King. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
A few of the artists have taken common, ordinary objects and transformed them into artwork. Alma Zaragoza created an entire line of hand bags and evening purses using recycled materials such as soda can tabs.
Gilbert Candelaria fashioned whimsical sculptures out of materials that some might consider junk. Old saw blades are now a cactus plant and fan parts became jewel-colored flowers.
Jennifer Martinson will offer a dress that can be worn 10 different ways. “The Magic Dress” was featured on TLC’s reality show, Homemade Millionaire, and won Best Dress Fashion Invention on the show.
Photo: Birdhouse Whimzee created by artist Al Hockwalt. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
In total, more than 100 artists will participate in the Summer Arts and Crafts Fair, Marketing Director Nancy Coombs said. “It’s picking up a little bit.”
Coombs added there are more out-of-state artists that usual.
“It’s a big day,” she said, noting that the Los Alamos Rodeo Parade will pass by the arts and crafts fair and the center is also hosting its cookies and Kool-Aid open house, which showcases work made by students in the center’s summer art program.
Besides great works of art, there will be a variety of food vendors at the event, serving “the food you love but you never make at home,” Coombs joked.
A fox mask created by artist Quillon Dayon-Campbell. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Pine-needle basket created by artist Debra Steinman. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
