Wooster artists come together for sale and community

Upstairs at Spoon Market on Saturday, Feb. 23, Wooster area artists will come together for the second time with the public to share, display and sell their creations as well as mingle and meet each other and the community from 5-9 p.m.

The first art show was held in November with crowds packing Sure House Coffee Roasting Company for several hours on a chilly Saturday evening. Community members mingled with the artists, connecting, purchasing art and enjoying the opportunity to gather together and meet new colleagues and friends.

The event, called Art Attack, is the brainchild of artist Annie Lehman. “It’s an idea I’ve been working on for awhile,” Lehman said. “I really want more of an art community, to have artists who inspire and work with and support each other.”

“Who knew all this hidden talent was in Wooster?” said Ryan Helms, who stopped by that first Art Attack. “I’m looking forward to the next event.”

Lehman explained that it’s often difficult for artists to find avenues to present their work to the world. This group offers an opportunity to do that in a supportive environment.

“In order to continue doing their art, artists need a community,” said Lehman, who explained that another function of the gathering was to raise awareness about the breadth and depth of local art.

Nearly everyone displaying pieces at the first event sold one or more items during the course of the gathering.

Marianne Garay, creator of Gracefully Wrapped, had a display of her handcrafted jewelry, which is made using pressed flowers and mustard seeds. Garay creates faith-based and sentimental pieces.

“People may have a flower from a bouquet that is close to their hearts,” she said. “And I make them a piece.”

And why use a mustard seed for some of her jewelry? “A mustard seed isn’t the smallest seed, but it’s a tiny seed that makes such a huge tree,” Garay said. “So your faith is supposed to start off as a little seed, but then it will grow into this beautiful living thing if you allow it to.”

The jewelry maker said she enjoyed the opportunity to get together with other artists and will definitely be back for future events. “You can go to a store and get a print that’s been done over and over again, but to get something that is specifically made for you, I think that’s a huge thing,” Garay said.

Like the other artists participating, Garay found more than customers at the gathering. “I love being able to see others’ viewpoints. Everyone comes from a different background and expresses themselves differently. I think it’s very important to get to know each other and support each other.”

Peter Boyer brought his guitar to share music as art. “Just like the visual artists who have their works on display,” he said, “the guitar became a talking point to discuss music as art. I could’ve stayed at home and played guitar, and nobody would’ve heard me except me. That’s the beauty of having a community like this. It’s about meeting people. It’s about sharing.”

Many of the artists and attendees discussed finding inspiration for their art and for their lives. “We’re able to share our different perspectives, to share what we each find inspiring and to inspire each other,” Peter Boyer said.

Community member Marlene Boyer found inspiration in being in the artistic environment. “This is such a great idea,” she said. “It brings artists together and the community together around art. It’s like being in an artist’s studio.”

Josh Sheetz will provide live music, and there will be henna tattoos along with the art and jewelry.

Any artists interested in participating in future events are invited to email Lehman at
JuliannaLehman@gmail.com.