Monday's Internet Edition, May 12, 2008.
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- Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the state’s finest artists and craftsmen will assemble at Arts United in Lexington for the third annual N.C. Artisan Open House and Spring Preview.
Although jewelry will certainly be abundant, that is by no means the only thing that will be on display.
Artisans taking part in the preview create their unique products by hand the old-fashioned way.
Visitors will enjoy meeting these friendly, knowledgeable and talented artists in person — and even witness them actually working and creating items on-site.
Opportunities are boundless for customized creations.
The show is sponsored by Valendrawers Inc. and Barking Dog Jewelry of Thomasville.
“This show will bring in some very talented artists,” said Barking Dog artist Jeffery Jobe, a silversmith and the event’s coordinator. “Many artists are demonstrating with us for the first time, so even if you came last year, you will see something new.
“This show is a lot of work to put on, but it’s our way to give back to Arts United and the community that supports us.”
Admission to the preview is free, and a portion of all sales made will be given back to Arts United for various art programs in Davidson County.
Barking Dog Jewelry Design Studio was opened in 1998. Jobe is one of the few traditional silver- and goldsmiths left — and also one of few conducting apprentice programs.
Jobe has been a juried member of the Village of Yesteryear since 2004. He is one of two silversmiths in the guild.
Barking Dog began the N.C. Artisan Open House three years ago as a way to give back to the community.
“I did it to thank the community for all the support they have given me over the years — and to create some exposure for local artists and newcomers,” Jobe said. “It’s a great way to financially give back to the arts in the community.
“We all know how important art is, especially to young people, and we also know that frequently, funding for the arts suffers during challenging economic times. This is my way of trying to raise money for the arts.”
Each year, Jobe said, he invites a mixture of professional full-time artists, part-time artists, amateur artists and newcomers.
“I know how hard it was when I began as an artist,” he said. “This show is my way of helping create some exposure for talented newcomers and established local artists.”
This year, artists from across the state will come to Lexington. Most of the artists are from the Triad area, and 10 are from Davidson County.
Along with Jobe, Thomasville potter Lorrie Anderson will attend the preview this year.
From Lexington, photographer Jason Byers will attend, along with the following Lexington artisans: scarf-maker Gwyn Chesson; woodworker Lee Chesson; painters Jan Fritts and Roger Hand; potter Kerry Wilson; and beadworker Angie Salzwedel.
Also attending this year’s preview will be artisans from Hickory, Clemmons, Greensboro, Seagrove, Jacksonville and Kernersville.
Arts United is located in the old Post Office building at 220 S. Main St. in Lexington. Normal hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information about Arts United or the preview, call 249-2742 or visit the website at www.co.davidson.nc.us/arts.
(Feb. 2)