America’s Top Artists and Craftmakers Take Center Stage
Gorgeous hand-blown glass pumpkins, one-of-a-kind jewelry, leather sandals and belts, handmade quilts, seasonal wreaths, holiday-themed placemats and napkins, panoramic photographs, whimsical sculptures, handpainted clothing, colorful ceramic vessels, contemporary pop art, Halloween-themed garden art, handcarved woodwork and unusual sculptures made from recycled material—at affordable prices—you’ll find all of this incredible variety and lots more at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, October 13-14. Enjoy a perfect autumn weekend browsing and strolling among well-stocked booths and meet 250 of America’s top artists and craftmakers showcasing their latest work in glass, ceramics, metals, fiber, leather, wood, jewelry, and fine art at this nationally renown festival. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on one-of-a-kind gifts.
Jack Pine blown glass pumpkin |
Steven Albaranes
butterfly art
Diane Cull handmade
witch doll
|
Paul Steege faceted ceramic teapot
Gigi Erickson blown glass pumpkins |
Sculpture and Mixed Media
Jack Pine, born and raised in Circleville OH and now based in Columbus OH, is the “Elvis of glass-blown gourds”. His gorgeous, one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins come in a variety of shapes and colors and are the perfect addition to any classy autumn décor. Lila Stuart and her daughter Lorinda Bechtel have spent their entire lives bringing joy to others through ceramic sculpture. Together they have created a vast menagerie of handmade animal sculptures large and small. All their pieces exude a warm, friendly feeling that makes them seem to come to life in the imaginations of others. For a truly unique piece, visit San Mateo artist Steven Albaranes, who creates his artwork from exotic butterflies mounted in attractive acrylic boxes. The largest pieces can have more than 150 individual butterflies, creating a spectacular display. Diane Cull will have a number of sophisticated witches in her collection of handmade dolls. These classy ladies are proof that one does not have to sacrifice fashion to master the dark arts. Each one is dressed to the nines, with long, pointed toes, a tall, pointed hat and flaming orange hair.
Functional Art
Since 1978, Master Pewtersmith Randal Moore and artist Kevin O’Hare have been combining their talents to create outstanding pewterware. Dramatic dragon goblets are a specialty, but the pair also makes intricate pendants, wedding cake toppers, flasks, cups, keychains, spoons and sculptures. Tim Earling creates lovely wooden pieces out of amboyna burl such as business card holders, pens, vases, and, for a select few fall festivals, narra wood pumpkin bowls. These wooden pumpkins come in three sizes and have so many uses for the autumn season, from Halloween candy bowls to Thanksgiving centerpieces. Paul Steege’s porcelain pottery is as beautiful as it is functional. His bowls, cups, teapots, soup tureens, storage jars and other table items all exemplify the virtues of simplicity, integrity and beauty. After a successful 15-year career in stained and art glass windows, Gigi Erickson fell in love with hot glass. She now creates beautiful blown glass pumpkins, eggs, ornaments, bowls and vases that are sought by discriminating collectors throughout the United States.
Tony Pagliaro photograph "Pillar Point Harbor" |
Gary Saderup charcoal portait
"Abe Lincoln"
Bree and Dan Karpavage
Lepidolite dragonfly pendant
|
Paul Nzalamba batik
Mishel Swartwout painting "Tuckered Out"
Jill Bornemann
messenger bag |
Fine Art
Take home a piece of your favorite Hollywood hero with a charcoal portrait by Gary Saderup. After 30 years as a professional artist, Saderup has mastered the ability to truly capture his subjects through details like the textures of the hair, skin tones and, most importantly, the eyes. The artist’s collection spans the decades, from Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne to current stars like Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. Tony Pagliaro captures the beauty of the natural world through his camera lens. By finding the perfect angle, the perfect lighting, and the perfect moment, Pagliaro transports his viewers to a peaceful landscape outside of the hectic modern world. Paul Nzalamba’s beautiful batiks bring home scenes of Africa with an exotic and rhythmic use of vibrant color and form. A native of Uganda, the artist chooses images that express both his cultural heritage and his personal experiences. Many pieces depict men and women draped in colorful clothing, dancing, working, or playing with their children. Though the clothing and location may be exotic, the artwork has strong universal themes of family, relationships, celebration, and learning. Artist Mishell Swartwout of Grants Pass, Oregon, captures the magic and innocence of childhood with her bright acrylic paintings of unicorns, fairies, dragons and castles. The beautiful frames and matting are part of the artwork, using hand-painted details and sparkling stars to bring the image right into the room.
Wearable Art
Diane Berry’s fused glass jewelry and art pieces are hand crafted to bring color and radiance to everyday life. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, reflecting a brilliant dance of color, light, and dimension. International coin cutting artist Terry Clift has been practicing the delicate ancient art of coin piercing for more than 30 years. This charming coin jewelry, hand crafted from authentic coins from around the world, makes a truly exquisite, custom gift for anyone. Bree and Dan Karpavage create distinctive jewelry from natural stones and wire. The couple uses turquoise, dinosaur bone, serpentine, and other treasures found on their rock-finding adventures and transforms them into beautiful pendants and earrings. Jill Bornemann’s hip collections of purses and bags are a smart addition to any wardrobe. Bornemann combines simple design and unique fabrics to create bags that compliment the traditional urban uniform of jeans, khakis and anything black. Much appreciated details like cell phone pockets, reinforced and adjustable straps, key rings, vinyl lining and waterproof bases make these bags as functional as they are fashionable.
“The Art & Pumpkin Festival is considered among the premier art shows in the country,” said Mary Lou Atkins of MLA Productions, the company that manages the arts and crafts exhibitors. “It’s the perfect opportunity to meet and buy from artists actually doing the work. Everything you see is handcrafted from beginning to end by each artist … we call it ‘art with soul’ and what’s special is festivalgoers get to take a piece of that home and make it part of their life.”
|
