Artists Mingle With the Public At Tiverton Arts & Artisans Festival [VIDEO]

Local and regional artists convened along Main Road near Four Corners in Tiverton on Saturday for the 24th annual Four Corners Arts & Artisans Festival.

The products displayed and sold ranged from the expected photography and painting to craftsmanship such as jewelry, basket weaving, woodworking and glasswork. In addition to the artwork, the free event also offered food and musical entertainment. Nearly 60 vendors participated and hundreds turned out. It is independently organized by area resident Jennifer Sunderland, who is also the director of the Tiverton Four Corners Arts Center.

Erica Bronstein, of Lincoln, MA, and Rochelle Sokoll, of Dartmouth, MA, left the fair with a bag or two in hand. They said they were really pleased with this year's wares.

"I've been coming since the beginning," Sokoll said. "It was fabulous. Susan Crane Pottery is just gorgeous."

Helene Zuffoletti, of Warwick, was at the fair for her first time with her husband, John, and their English bulldog, Toby. They were there primarily to find a baked doggy treat for him.

The event attracted a wide range of artists. Hailing from Middletown, CT, photographer Doug Hockman thought highly of the fair in his first year attending.

“It’s a good crowd and a great spot,” he said.

Hockman's young presence on the Tiverton arts scene (three years) was contrasted by established acts like Nancy Ingle, a representative of Southboro’s Sunny Window, a soap company. This year marked Ingle’s 12th straight year participating. She has cultivated a following over that time of customers that e-mail her specialty orders each year for the fair.

Saturday's crowd was very appreciative of the work of the artists, as well as the event as a whole.

“It’s a perfect day,” said Tiverton resident Paul Anderson. “It’s a great opportunity for artisans to get their work out, and for folks around here to get out in the sun and stretch their legs.”

Sharon Prazak, co-owner of popular local arts shop Courtyards, agreed.

“The Four Corners Artisans Fair brings together some of the finest artists in New England," she said. "They complement the local shops that carry fine handmade items from throughout the country.”

Riverside-based photographer Martin Radcke was enjoying his first year showing off his work for Photoconcepts. He sells limited edition prints, postcards and other stills of his work.

"They really care," he said about the organizers of the event. "It's very well-organized."

Donna Brown, of Donna Brown Designs of Cranston, was nestled in the shade at her booth for her fourth consecutive year. She makes jewelry from paper, only using decorative and recycled papers like newspapers and magazines.

"I've been successful every year," she said, attributing to her relatively low price range. "It always works out for me."

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