It has been far too long since I last posted, but my life is crazy busy it seems. I have spent the last 6 weeks working on a new website for the Block Street Holiday Art Sale Group I am a part of here in my town of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The group has a long and rich tradition of having the most wonderful art sale every year the first weekend in December. I feel honored to have been made a part of it just 5 years ago. Here is a bit about the history of the sale written by our fearless leader, Marie Demeroukas.
Photographer Don House had the holiday blues back in 2001. To shake them off and create a sense of community for himself, he hosted an open house at his studio in Elkins, inviting a handful of friends to display their work. The group had so much fun that they repeated the show the following year. A tradition was born.
With the show’s success came more artists and a move to a larger venue at the Fayetteville home of Mike Shirkey’s GoodFolk Productions. Taking a cue from its street address, the group eventually began calling itself the Block Street Art Sale.
Although the roster of artists has changed over the years, the quality of artwork and the enthusiasm of the artists and their guests have remained high. For many the show feels like a great, weekend-long party. This year the group will make its new home in Parker Hall at the Mt. Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center. Expect a few more artists, a roomier exhibition space, easier parking, and even more amazing art.
What began modestly with a pitcher of eggnog, a handful of artists, and several dozen guests has today blossomed into a much-anticipated community event. If you haven’t done so already, we hope you will become part of a Fayetteville tradition.
So that is our story and I am sticking to it. Here are some shots of our group and our offerings. Please check us out and remember to shop locally and support your local artists and craftspersons.
