Sharon Rusch Shaver was painting the downtown scene in front of her in the Liz-Beth & Co. booth in the Krutch Park extension. There also were glass blowers at work in another booth.
Was anybody anywhere else Saturday except in downtown Knoxville? It sure seemed as if everyone were here. And we downtown residents were delighted to have you. You were generally friendly and well-behaved and we are happy to share this amazing urban experience with you.
The place was packed because of the sheer number of planned activities going on. From the last Winter Market of the year at the Historic Southern Railway Station where I started my morning buying lettuce and strawberries, to the Color Me Rad 5K race over near the Civic Coliseum, the Dogwood Arts Festival’s Art Fair in Krutch Park and Market Square and EarthFest at World’s Fair Park, there truly was something for every taste.
I continue to be impressed by the quality of the wares at the Dogwood Arts Fair. The show is juried and includes booths from more than 70 artists. It has come such a long way since the days of potholders and trivets. Kudos to my friend Lisa Duncan, the executive director of the Dogwood Arts Festival, and her army of volunteers who supplement her capable — but small — staff.
Even though we still have the ubiquitous funnel cakes and corn dogs offered in the food vendor area, they are supplemented by more original — and perhaps healthier — fare. Here are some photos of our amazing day today. The downtown Art Fair continues tomorrow, Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You better get down here! Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are just around the corner, don’t forget!
Crowds were thick throughout the day today.
The children’s area was interesting. In addition to the normal face painting and finger painting you see at all these types of events, kids today got to practice some circus skills!
This little girl was quite proficient on the tightrope!
Practicing juggling looked like fun.
How about a little plate spinning?
I ran into WBIR’s Abby Ham with her son and some friends on Market Square.
I also ran into Shaun Fulco Hyver, the CFO of Moxley Carmichael, with her husband, Roger, and sweet little doggie, Millie. So cute!
Here are Marisa Mitchell, left, and Sara O’Connor. As you can see, they had run in the “Color Me Rad” race. Participants are sprayed with colored corn starch!
This is Petronella Shepard of Kingsport. She was selling the most amazing baskets in her booth, The African Hut, on Market Square.
Ann Marie Tugwell, left, and her daughter, Katie Tugwell, were each buying one of the colorful baskets to use for shopping at the Market Square Farmers’ Market when it opens starting next week.
Stunning.
I wish I’d bought one. Hope she has some left tomorrow.
Milton Whitson of Clinton has some beautiful cutting boards and other kitchen items at his Market Square booth.
Among the new food offerings were gourmet ice cream sandwiches offered from this truck, Sunshine Sammies. Awesome idea.
Another new one.
Best logo! The Gonzo Gourmet truck. It offered, among other things, adobo chicken sandwiches, Brats from Willy’s Butcher Shop in Bearden and hashbrown casserole. “My mom’s cheesy potato recipe,” the chalk board promised.
Music was everywhere. In addition to the programmed acts on the official stages, numerous buskers — some quite good ones — set up all around the activities.
A group of buskers on Union Avenue.
Others on Market Square.
My friend Greg Blankenship had his Gregory’s Greenhouse truck set up on Union Avenue.
Among his offerings: pineapple plants!
But this was my favorite thing of his.
My friend Ranee Randby would have snatched this up! She loves all things bulldog.
At the Dogwood Arts Festival’s own booth, flowers were offered for $1 per stem. Sweet.
Even with all the food vendors, restaurant patios were packed.
The regular balloon guy was busy.
As was the regular statue/robot guy.
I loved this glazed pottery at the booth called “Gone to Pot” on Market Square. It’s by Kristi O’Connell and Mary Bartholomew of Knoxville.
Here’s another piece. Lovely.
This dazzling large bowl is a piece of wall art by David Goldhagen of Hayesville, North Carolina.
Artist Heather Whiteside returned to Knoxville from her home in New York for this show. I love her art and it was great to see her again at the Liz-Beth & Co. booth.
This is her newest work.
Isn’t this interesting. It’s in Krutch Park extension in a booth called The Glass Haus operated by Leonard and Carolyn Wilson of McHenry, Illinois.
I walked over to World’s Fair Park to check out EarthFest. Folks were dangling their feet into The Waters of the World. That looked like fun.
A band called Mac Comer and the Coo Cool Kidders was playing rock and roll.
To a relaxed audience.
I bought some cool mugs from WUOT’s booth.
My buddy Jake Hudson was staffing the Fort Loudoun Lake Association booth.
It was a relaxed afternoon. Not nearly as frenetic as Market Square. Totally different vibe.
I headed back to my office to post this and couldn’t resist a snap of the Sunsphere.
Thanks for including Liz Beth. This event is always so much fun.
They had a great booth, Dawn!
After I posted the blog, I went back and bought one of those baskets. Such quality merchandise this year.
Cynthia bought a basket so she can buy more at the Farmer’s Market starting soon.
I was very impressed with the art fair this year. It seemed much larger and the quality was definitely much higher. I loved those baskets, too. I should have bought one! We had a great time. There is always something for everyone to do in Knoxville. Love our city!
Alan is right! I bought the biggest one Petronella had – in fact, I bought the one she’s holding in the photo. She said if it gets soiled from Farmers’ Market produce, I can just clean it with water. Same thing if it gets out of shape. Just wet it and reshape it. It cost $165. But I think it will bring us pleasure for years.
Alert: Petronella will return with more baskets to Knoxville May 10 & 11 when she has a booth at Bloomsday 2014 at the UT Gardens on Neyland Drive. 9 to 5 each day.
Cynthia: I thought of you when I saw that blue & red pottery. I agree that the quality of the art fair is amazing. It was great to see so many people enjoying downtown in so many ways.And thank goodness for perfect spring weather.
Those baskets are phenomenal! Does she actually personally craft them? We need to get her in Nashville.
Hey, Leigh: Since this is a juried show, I am sure she makes the baskets. They don’t let folks just sell pre-made items. You an contact her at [email protected]. The folks in Nashville would love these baskets!
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