Art on the Farm Event Expected to Draw Hundreds to Dexter

The eighth annual Art on the Farm art show is coming to Dexter Township on Oct. 30.

The event draws about 30 artists and about 1,000 visitors to the area. Local artist Lauren Kingsley and her husband, Jack, have hosted the show every year at the end of October on their 24-acre farm at 12075 Island Lake Rd.

"We are always able to attract professional and semiprofessional artists who bring some of their finest pieces to sell at the show," Kingsley said. "A lot of the items are of better quality than your average craft show, and customers have told us it's the best show in the region."

Kingsley said visitors will have an opportunity to see and purchase a wide range of fine art that includes stained glass, hand-linked silver jewelry, glass beads, photography and feather hair extensions.

"I select artists according to their medium," she said. "I don't want too many artists in one category. Every year I try to bring in new artists along with some of the show's top sellers."

Kingsley said the show has grown so popular, she is often forced to put artists on a waiting list. She allows up-and-coming artists to submit an application for consideration on her website. Kingsley herself will be selling hand-painted scarves, something she's particularly proud of after selling one to actor Bill Murray at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in 2010.

"This show has a reputation for high-quality, approachable prices, a good mix of artists, great ambiance and just plain fun,” she said.

Artists Bill and Marci Darwin of Chelsea, who sell hand-etched glass, said they have been attending the show for the past seven years.

"It's the only show we do," Bill Darwin said. "It's a really nice event with great music, and the customers are wonderful. It's one of the last things you can do for the fall before it starts getting too cold."

One of Kingsley's favorite aspects of the show—which she describes as a large family gathering—is the spontaneous community bluegrass jam that takes place throughout the afternoon.

"We usually have a band playing music, and it's become so popular that musicians will just walk up with their instruments and start playing along," she said. "It makes for an entertaining afternoon for the guests and the artists."

Kingsley said visitors have come from as far away as New York in years past, but the venue mostly attracts residents from around southeast Michigan.

"It's a small venue, but people come and stay all day long," she said. "We get crowds lining up before we even open the barn doors."

For more information about the upcoming event, visit the Art on the Farm website or call 734-424-4822. Art on the Farm will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 30. The event is free and open to the public.