Fayetteville, My Favorite Ville
Last weekend, I woke up way earlier than anyone ever should on a Saturday morning and drove to Fayetteville to participate in my first Market Day. Market Day is a fairly new event. It started June 2, and occurs the first Saturday of each month through October. There were approximately 15 to 20 tents or tables set up in the at the Artist’s Market, in Janutolo Park. I enjoyed the graphic laden pottery of Julie Wingard, and James Sheehan’s spirited watercolors. The majority of the artists were selling jewelry and smaller items. This month the Flea Market and Art Market were condensed to one area. Geodes, crafty WVU welcome signs, baked goods, children’s clothes, and rare books were all represented.
Local jazz ensemble, Diggin the Weatha, from Beckley provided the perfect soundtrack to the day. Composed of four teenage musicians, their music teachers, parents, and the young men should all be congratulated. Their discipline and musicality surpassed their age.
Unfortunately, the majority of folks interested in art at 8am were the ones selling it. More art lovers/buyers started trickling in around 11am, a whole hour before the event ended. In the last hour, I sold a few wares and made it worth my travel and time. Holly Clark, the market’s organizer, graciously gave the vendors permission to stay set up longer. But as the hazy day’s clouds parted, the fatigue of a early start set in, and the thought of carnitas from Diogi’s snuck into our minds, nobody accepted the offer.
I would recommend local artists to get up early next month and make the trip to the coolest small town in SWV, to set up for the market. There is no charge for artists to set up, and they don’t take a commission. I am sure that as the event grows, they may have to start charging such fees. Contact Ms. Clark for details. I would also encourage people who like art and cool happens to either get up early and check it out, or make a suggestion for a later hours.
The best display was down the street, at the Farmer’s Market, which is every Saturday. I purchased yummy vegetables, not or under represented in my garden. Though the art part was lax in traffic, the farmer’s part was bustling all morning. Follow the first lady’s order and support local farmers by eating something green this weekend.
Charleston fine artist, Rob Cleland, was in attendance across the street. Cleland is in the middle of painting Fayetteville’s first mural. The Clam Tran’s photographer, Kimmy Bowen, capture the work in progress, in last week’s Photo Pheature. The mural highlights the city’s outdoor sportiness and arty vibe, with Cleland’s realistic graphic style. I just hope Beckley is smart enough to commision his next public art piece.
The institution behind the lively mural is the Fayetteville Arts Coalition. Their new gallery, above the Secret Sandwich Society, is a breath of fresh air, and art. The standouts in their second exhibition are Tandi Stephans, Mark Moore, Paul Corbitt Brown, Ginger Danz, and Rob Cleland. The space is great looking. Open, and cozy. The gentleman at the front desk reported an approximate 200 attendees for the previous night’s reception. I recommend keeping a close watch on their upcoming events. It is sure to make a fun night in Fayetteville even better.
One more mention of the Ville. If you have experienced the Burrito Bar at Breeze Hill, you are missing out. Great food, great music, great environment, great view, amazing sunsets. Thirsty Thursday is a winner.
In conclusion, go to Fayetteville. Also, I have posted some other happenings happening this weekend. Scroll for those.
