Fair welcomes artists to showcase talents close to home

Last year, Hartland Township artist Larry Hall brought his unique woodwork to the Hamburg Community Fine Arts Fair for some much-needed exposure in his home county.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15, he and many other local artists and crafters will make their way to the Hamburg Township Library to attend the Hamburg Community Fine Arts Fair.
Organizers are hoping even more area artists will participate, but participants must have their submissions approved by Sept. 24.
The library is at 10411 Merrill Road.
Hall said he plans to display his creations — tables and benches he's created using recycled barn wood — because he'd like to attract attention in the area.
His woodworking projects, which do not use nails or staples, fit pieces of local collapsed barns together "like puzzle pieces" and have attracted significant attention in the Ann Arbor and Farmington Hills area.
"I went last year, and it was new for me," Hall said. "I want to be able to show my work in Livingston County. The fine arts fair is great for that."
Marilyn Grinnel, a clerk at the library and coordinator of the program, said the fair gives artists exposure while raising money for the library. Each artist pays a nominal fee to have his or her work on display.
"We have interesting art pieces and beautiful art being featured from many local artists," Grinnel said. "This would be a wonderful time for people to shop for the holidays. Everything is for sale."
Visitors are likely to see pottery, pen-and-ink creations, woodcarvings, sculptures, photography, textiles, jewelry, glass and paintings in watercolor, oil, acrylics and pastels.
Grinnel said she'd like to see this year's Hamburg Community Fine Arts Fair top last year's in terms of artist attendance; last year, the event brought in more than 35 local artists.
Funds raised from the fair will help the library purchase books, something that hasn't been particularly easy in recent years. Grinnel said the state's sagging economy has actually brought more patrons to the library, which offers free copying, resume faxing and Internet use — all key services for people looking to land a job.
Libraries, however, aren't receiving any more money to provide these services, so Grinnel said any funds the library raises on its own are vital.
Submissions are open to artists in all media. Only items approved by the committee may be displayed. For more information and an application, visit www.hamburglibrary.org or call the library at (810) 231-1771.
Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Frank Konkel at (517) 552-2835 or at fkonkel@gannett.com.
Source http://www.livingstondaily.com/