80 exhibitors part of Arts and Crafts Fair in Oxford

This year’s fair will mark 52 years for the event which annually features approximately 80 exhibitors from all over the Midwest.

Bob Carmean is president of the board of the Oxford Museum Association, which hosts the annual arts fair, and he has coordinated the event for several years. He likes the mix of exhibitors and what they have to show to the public as well as the fact they come from a wide area.

“We have a variety of arts and crafters from A to Z. It is an opportunity to do some shopping,” Carmean said. “We always have between 60 and 80 vendors and full food service. All our buildings are open and the interns will be there outfitted in period clothing. Dogs on a leash are invited.”

In addition to being coordinator for the event, Carmean said he has also been a customer.

One popular repeat vendor is writer Tim Callahan, author of a series of Kentucky stories Carmean said he has given to a relative from that state.

Vendors will be showing their work in a variety of media, including jewelry, furniture, candles, stone, leather, soap, gourds, weaving, basketry and a host of others.

Another purchase Carmean said he has made was from Richmond, Indiana’s George Stallings and his rustic art called Old Iron.

“He recovers old farm equipment and converts it into art,” Carmean said, adding Stallings takes old rusty implements such as the wheels from a tiller made into a sunburst. “We have a dry creek at our house and have several pieces of his work in the creek.”

Cassandra Willoughby, the museum association’s executive director, is a former intern who took part in the arts and crafts fair and has big plans for this year’s three interns.

“(The arts and crafts fair) is always good for shopping for gifts. I have a lot of family birthdays in the fall,” she said. “The interns will look dapper this year, even in the way they do their hair. I’ve done some research.”

Another popular vendor in the past couple years has been Black Pony Kettle Corn, started by a Talawanda High School student as a business for a fundraiser and grew to help her pay for college and grew into a family project.

The annual arts and crafts fair is one of two major fundraisers each year for the Oxford Museum Association, the other being the Applebutter Festival in October. Money raised from them goes to upkeep on the association’s properties as well as educational programs offered throughout the year.

Carmean also said they have recently rebooted their web site and refreshed their Facebook page and can also be reached that way.

“Even though this is an 1830s vintage house, you have to be wired,” he said.

Willoughby said the event will also have another modern touch with a “selfie station” offering visitors a chance to take pictures using such pioneer props as bonnets.

Carmean added the second floor of the barn offers “a perfect photo op” with a view of the Doty homestead as well as the extended setting.

HOW TO GO

WHAT: Hueston Woods Arts and Crafts Fair

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 10 and 11. Held rain or shine.

WHERE: Pioneer Farm on Brown Road, adjacent to the Hueston Woods Golf Course and near the entrance to the park

ADMISSION: $4 for adults; children younger than 12 free

HOW TO VOLUNTEER