This Weekend's 49th Annual Art Fair Offers Something for Everyone

The Friends of the Sierra Madre Library, a major supporter of arts, culture, and library services in Sierra Madre, will present its 49th annual Art Fair at this weekend. 

The 75 artists selected for participation in this year’s fair will display works for sale representing a diverse array of media, including painting, photography, ceramics, woodwork, weaving, jewelry, and metal art, among others. Proceeds from the sale of booth space will be donated to the . 

“The Art Fair and other events presented by the dedicated volunteers at the have sponsored ,” Director of Library Services Toni Buckner said in a discussion with Patch. “They funded our beautiful front garden, several new computers, books, and projects supporting the community,” Buckner said. In fact, last year alone, the Friends donated

This year’s Art Fair will modify very little from the example set by previous fairs. 

“We strive to present a consistently high level of fine art year after year,” Art Fair Chairperson Sharon Murphey said. “We never compromise our standards just to fill a spot and raise money. At the same time, we are very supportive of the artists, helping them in any way we can throughout the fair."

Murphey explained how Sierra Madre is the ideal home for a high-caliber Art Fair, such as this one. “Sierra Madre was once an and still is to a great extent. We have an arts commission that displays artwork at and presents open studio tours. The town is very interested in the arts, and there is always a good turnout at the Art Fair.”

The Friends recognize one artist each year as the fair’s featured artist, beginning by choosing a featured medium, then selecting “an artist that represents that medium very well,” Sharon Murphey said. “We had never before chosen wood as the featured medium, and Ivy Shuman’s work is of the highest standing and consistently eye-catching.” 

“Having participated in the for a number of years, and knowing the quality of the artwork presented, I was honored to be chosen as the featured artist,” Shuman said from his studio in Chatsworth. 

Shuman has worked with wood as an artistic medium since 1977, acquiring a lathe for woodturning in 1984. “The lathe allows woodturners to create spontaneous forms, much as a potter molds clay on a wheel. I try to bring out the intrinsic character of the wood while expressing my personality in the shapes I create.” 

While returning regularly to the Sierra Madre Art Fair, Shuman is selective in presenting at art fairs in general. “I participate in only a select number of high quality shows each year. The Sierra Madre Art Fair is a well-juried show with high quality artists. I would certainly rank it a very strong show, and the setting is lovely.”

The selection jury consisted of David Darbyshire, Nancy Doyle, Peggy Matchin, Lorie Oliver, Alison Wesley, and Chairperson Sharon Murphy. All participants are limited to presenting their own work exclusively. “We chose artists whose work was not prohibitively expensive, while maintaining the same high standards for fine art seen at our previous fairs,” Murphey said.

As art enthusiasts of all ages explore the selection of artists represented at this year’s fair, youngsters have a standing invitation at the booth of the , a nonprofit organization in Sierra Madre dedicated to promoting an understanding of others through the arts. In a craft activity called “Insects in the Garden,” children will have the opportunity to draw their favorite insect and create a garden of plants and flowers using a variety of materials.       

Numerous locally-based food vendors will sustain guests in a range of cuisines commensurate with the diversity of artists and media presented at the fair. 

Musical performances by several bands well-known to Sierra Madre are expected to heighten the festive atmosphere. “We believe art and music go well together,” Murphey said. 

Local impresario Charlie Kissinger booked seven bands that have performed in previous fairs and elsewhere in Sierra Madre. “Charlie does a great job. He knows what music is right for the event,” Murphey said.

“I have known the members of these bands for many years,” said Kissinger. “They have been around Sierra Madre for a long time and are always well-received.” The eclectic lineup features styles ranging from cowboy jazz to world music.

In its abundance of choices in art, food, and music, this year’s Art Fair promises something for every sense, age, and taste. Amidst the joy of the event, guests and artists alike can take pride in promoting the ongoing success of the Sierra Madre Library.