Artists Demonstrate Craft at Pioneer Art Fair

The Dexter Area Historical Society is gearing up for the 37th annual Pioneer Arts Fair on March 19. The event is one of its main fundraisers for the year.

The art show, which also includes a homemade bake sale, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at at 2615 Baker Rd.

"There will be 56 artists there," Ginny Ryan, event chairwoman said.

This year a children's table will also be set up for art projects, including weaving with construction paper, she said.

The artists will demonstrate their skills during the show, as well as sell their work to those who attend. A wide variety of art will be represented, from loom weaving, spinning, and painting to pottery, jewelry, and woodcarving. Some of the popular exhibits feature homemade socks and wood carving.

"It's gorgeous stuff," Ryan said.

She said close to 900 people have attended the fair in the past.

"We usually have around 700 to 800," she said.

Artists from Jackson, Chelsea, Pinckney, Hillsdale, Grass Lake, and Gaylord are expected at the show.

Janet Brown and Gayle Mosher, both of Dexter, are among the artists who will be demonstrating their craft during the fair.

Brown, a counted cross stitch needleworker said she will be demonstrating one of her patterns. She said she does many landscaping scenes that include lighthouses and floral arrangements. She also makes copies of her patterns and greeting cards, which will also be available for sale.

"It takes me a month to make one (pattern)," she said.

Mosher will demonstrate the painting techniques of the amateur painters of the 1800s.

"It is very simplistic," she said.

She said that she will be selling her own work at the fair, including the Impressionist technique she is currently studying.

"This is the first time I will attend," Mosher said. "I hope to see what others are offering. I hope I will get to walk around."

During the arts fair, Athena Eyster of Lima Township will also be playing live music.

"She walks around and plays. She's been fiddling for us since she was 9 years old," Ryan said, adding that in the past Eyster and her brother have demonstrated the art of harp making at the fair.

This year the brother and sister duo will feature paintings on bark and stone.

"What gives me a boost is that we have locally so much talent. You can see these people produce such good art," Ryan said.

The proceeds from the arts fair are used to support repairs and upkeep to the Dexter Area Museum. Ryan said that usually the fair brings in about $3,000 to $4,000.

The cost to attend the fair is $3 for adults, and 50 cents for kids from kindergarten through 12th grade.