Craft Blog Buckhead 2013
Buckhead
Spring Arts and Crafts Festival -
Atlanta, Georgia
May 12, 2013 - It’s not often that I get to spend my favorite day of the year, Mother’s Day, at an Art Festival.
My 18 year old daughter, and youngest of four, was the only child who was in town to spend the lovely day with me, and she was quite excited to find out that my chosen fun for the afternoon was to head down to Chastain Park for the Buckhead Spring Arts and Crafts Festival.
Over the years of raising my kids, I taught them to appreciate local art, as well as to value the craftsmanship and creativity of artistic people all over the world. So, with money in our pockets, and the sun on our backs, my daughter and I hit the path leading us to the work of over 175 Artists and Craftsmen. We enjoyed perusing the work of each one, but I would like to share a little about a few who particularly caught my eye.
Aaron Hahn
If you’re looking for a great piece of conversational furniture, then Cumming Artist, Aaron Hahn, aka The Barrel Man, has just what you need. I absolutely fell in love with the wonderful furniture that he makes out of 100% Oak wine barrels.
Aaron has been making bars, bar tables, coffee tables, stools, lazy susans, wine racks, bar accessories, and groovy peace signs out of wine barrels for almost 4 years. He gets his wine barrels from an uncle who owns a winery. That’s one way to keep ‘repurposing’ all in the family. Ya gotta love that! He reinforces all of the bands of each barrel, and can custom stain each piece to the customer’s satisfaction. Each barrel has its own unique characteristics, which add a one-of-a-kind touch to each piece of furniture. All of the wine barrel furniture can be used indoors or outdoors.
Aaron is a landscaper by trade, but this new found hobby has become such a booming business that he’s looking for a place to open shop. Cheers to that idea! I hope it’s near me!
You can find Aaron’s Festival schedule and his work on his facebook page, The Barrel Man. Belly up to the bar and check him out!
Lou Huppke
I was thrilled when I came across Georgia Artist, Lou Huppke, and the line of quality handmade wooden jewelry that she and her father so lovingly refer to as, Dangle That Bangle.
Her father, Glen, began turning wooden bracelets almost 40 years ago, and it was only three years ago that she joined him on this same path of creativity. Even though she does some of the woodturning herself, she mostly leaves the lathe work to him. She then takes the finished bracelet, pendants, or earrings, and paints, dyes, or metal leafs them. Add many coats of quality varnish and voila!...you have a stunning piece of wearable artwork!
It was standing room only in Lou’s booth, as I tried on so many of their wonderful pieces. The tent was full of women asking complete strangers if a certain bracelet looked good on them…including me. “What do you think about this one?” was a common phrase I was hearing and saying over and over, and the answer was always, “It looks great, and if you don’t get it…I just might!” I think I made three new girlfriends before I even left the tent!
The bracelets come in varying sizes, ranging from small to large, with the size being marked in millimeters on the inside of each piece.
You can find the Huppke’s upcoming Festival schedule and their online business at www.huppkewoods.com. You can also find them on facebook at Dangle That Bangle. Head over and check them out because you know your sweet little wrist could use some love.
Chris Mason
Birmingham, Alabama Photographer, Chris Mason, of Beyond Photography, caught my eye with his unique and unusual way of displaying his amazing photographs.
Originally, Chris framed his work in the traditional fashion, but then decided to shake things up a little and go a different route with the way he showcased his images. He began utilizing different backgrounds that would enhance his photos after they are displayed in a 3d effect. Your initial view is of the photograph, but then the background pulls your visual deeper and takes you just one step beyond the photograph. It’s a very unique transition.
After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta with a degree in photography, Chris combined his love of nature with his photographic expertise. His photography is stunning to say the least. By using elements of nature that compliment each photo, be it a barn door, used scrap metal, crushed glass from bottles, or even sand, he creates a one-of-a-kind piece of mixed media artwork. He combines the hands of the artist with the eyes of the photographer, and this fortunately allows us to view nature in whole new way.
You can find Chris’ work and upcoming Festival schedule on his website, www. chrismasonphoto.com. Check it out and let his photos take you on a trip around the world.
While you’re making plans, don’t forget to add an Art Festival or two to your summer schedule. Having rows and rows of art at your fingertips is a beautiful thing, dear friends.
Folks, the most unbelievable things are at your local fine art or craft shows if you just have a look. Also visit Brothers-handmade.com often, and
"Come See What Amazing Things Your Neighbors Are Making"©
-Terry
