GALESBURG — The mood was peaceful and laid back in Standish Park on Saturday, as a strong breeze blew through the leaves and mostly grey skies failed to drop any rain. It was perfect weather for the Arts and Craft Market, held for the second year in the historic park.

35 vendors parked themselves in the shade displaying and selling their work, which came in a large variety of jewelry, photography, ceramics, woodwork, glasswork, metalwork, painting and much more.

Jeanne Clark of Henderson displayed unique “felt painting.” Rather than use paint, colored wool made up the artwork, which takes “hours and hours,” explained Clark.

Doing wet felting and nuno felting to make scarves, vests, and other garments is a physically demanding and aggressive progress so she needed to find another outlet.

“It’s been a great day,” said Stacey Shaner, who works with acrylic paint and resin. She explained several pieces she displayed.

“I found this on the side of the road during cleanup days,” she said of a small, new-looking end table, which was now colorful and shiny.”

Val Morris of Knoxville explained how Creations Glass Studio in downtown Galesburg makes some of their glasswork, which goes into mosaics, bowls, and even a kind of paint.

“Every scrap goes back into the work. Even the glass powder is made into a kind of watercolor,” she said pointing out a bright piece of work.”

She also explained how she found glass to be her calling. It began with a glasswork class twelve years ago so she should learn to repair some elderly windows in her historic home. Her interest grew and she took “class after class.”

Rachel Newell of Chillicothe appeared to be displaying paintings, but closer inspection showed that they were in fact made from clipping from magazines.

Sara Simonson, a former literary professor and department chair at Western Illinois University took a ceramics class after retirement and “fell in love with it.”

Stark, black and white photos of flowers and landscapes welcomed folks into the tent of Tim Schroll of Blandinsville. Schroll works with traditional film, rather than digital photography.

One of his photos was “This Old House,” with depicts the crumbling remains of an abandoned farmhouse in Warren County, overgrown with trees and vines. Still, the elaborate trim and woodwork showed through.

“Everyone sees a picture differently,” said Schroll, “my wife is a music teacher and hears music. Others you can look at and wonder about the stories.”

According to Tuesday Cetin, executive director of the Galesburg Civic Art Center, the event had drawn about 1,300 people by mid-afternoon with another couple hundred expected.

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. The Register-Mail ~ 140 S. Prairie St., Galesburg, IL 61401 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service