In 1991, some creative friends got together and decided to put on a holiday gift show. All east side residents, they decided to hold it first at the Benton House. Linda Lake, Pat Brown, Cynthia Orr, and the other artists involved from the very beginning wanted everyone a chance to buy their creations at fair prices, in a more relaxed environment than they’d find anywhere else. The annual Gathering of Artists was born.
The Gathering has grown since it’s inception 23 years ago, moving from the Benton House to the Bona Thompson Memorial Center as more vendors got involved. The artisans invited to the shows are carefully selected for their unique offerings and are on hand for most of the show. About 40 artists are included, offering art, art prints, paper goods, unique ornaments, jewelry, handbags, knit and crochet items, stained glass creations, recycled goods, candy, and much more. In the kitchen, you’ll find Alan’s Catered Events dishing out signature items, breads, preserves, and pastries to take home.
What makes the show extra-special is that this isn’t just a craft show, it is a chance for guests to get into the holiday spirit. Linda, Pat, and many volunteers spend hours setting up displays, decorating a huge tree with handmade ornaments, and carefully staging the Gathering so that visitors will find surprises at every turn. Many artists return year after year, and new ones come on board regularly.
A new artisan this year is ceramists Alan Reinhardt, who has lived in the area his entire life. He’s been working in ceramics for 45 years, showing throughout the area, as well as the prestigious Pewabic Pottery & Contemporary Art Tile Fair in Detroit. Locals may know him from his public work on the exquisite donor’s bookcase at the Central Library, installed just after the addition opened a few years ago. Reinhardt said that he wanted to bring the elements of the old Central and the new together. “If you look closely, you’ll see both in the piece.” Reinhardt’s work can also be seen at the City Market chef’s test kitchen, where he created a beautiful backsplash.
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New this year at the Gathering are the works of ceramist Alan Reinhardt. Here is a sampling of his Arts & Crafts inspired tiles.
For the Gathering of Artists, Reinhardt will be bringing his well-known Arts & Crafts inspired ceramic tiles, plus Arts & Crafts ceramic clocks. “There are a lot of wonderful old homes in Irvington,” he noted, where his works would be a perfect addition. Prices for these handcrafted tiles will be in the $15-$23 range.
Lisa Flick’s chalkware Santa’s a unique creations that sell out fast on the Friday preview night; many in the area collect her works every year. Ardeth Stroble, who is a regular vendor at the Irvington Farmer’s Market with her fresh flower arrangements, will have holiday inspired dried arrangements that go very fast as well.
A Gathering of Artists will be held from 6-9:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22 ($5 at the door, includes hors d’oeuvres) and free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Nov 23. The Bona Thompson is located at the corner of Downey and University at 5350 University Avenue in Irvington.
