National Artists Descend on Oswego for Art Fair

Talented artist from all parts of the country who create in a wide variety of medium congregated downtown this weekend for the annual Oswego Fine Art Fair.  

Art lovers from all over the Oswego area came to downtown to meet them, view the creations and to purchase pieces for their homes, offices and gardens.  Patrons could visit booths featuring sculptures, ceramics, paintings, clothing, jewelry, stained glass, photoFinegraphs and inlayed woodwork.

Each artist's style was their own, but they had many common threads which marked them as part of the special community.  Most of the artists do not work through galleries or the internet.  They travel from art show to art show all across the country.  Many show at more than 20 shows a year.  

“The middle of the week is my weekend,” said artist Loel Martin.

Third-year fair attendee, copper-smith John Lamar said the nomadic lifestyles can be tiring.

“I still love it," he said.

Most agree, however, that Oswego's art fair is special. Most are back for their third, fourth and, even, fifth year. 

Jewelry maker Jill Bush called it a "delightful" show and thinks the volunteers and officials are very friendly.  

“Everyone is very gracious,” said photographer Andrea Barnish. “It's a great show and Oswego is a charming community.”

Despite  similarities, each artist has their own unique story that varies as much as their work.  

“My crazy faces (art) came about as entertainment for my 2-year-old son. Twenty years later, he's outgrown them, but I'm still painting them,” said artist Kevin Lahvick.

Kendall Arts Guild member Jeanne Dennis said she got involved in art by teaching her children.  

“I taught art to all my kids because it helps you become a problem solver," she said.

Some of the stories represent profound changes in the artist's life. Sometimes branching into art resulted in them following a completely new path. Bush, had been a department store buyer, but wanted to find a more flexible profession when she became a mom.  She took a couple of classes in metal working and it was the birth of something great.  

In the 15 years since Bush changed careers, she has sold her work wholesale, in boutiques and national department stores.  She confesses to prefer the fair circuit because she likes the one-on-one interaction with customers.  

Patti Monroe-Mohrenweiser primarily worked in calligraphy.  When her husband decided it was time to change careers, they decided to focus on art work they could create together. Now she works as an encaustic painter.  Encaustic painting is a process where the paints are made from beeswax and the paint is layered while the paint is at least 200 degrees.

Her husband does the technical drawings and she transfers them to the paintings.  It's a very green form of art.  Even the framing materials they use are recycled.  

“I love it when you see something new in a piece of art you have had for years.” Patti said.  “That's what we try to do with our work.”