Art Under the Elms marks 35 years this weekend

click to enlarge Art Under the Elms marks 35 years this weekend
Lewiston-Clarkston Valley dogwood trees are in full bloom for the 35th annual Art Under the Elms artisan fair taking place this weekend.

Artisans are headed to Lewiston this weekend to sell their wares at Art Under the Elms, the capstone event of the monthlong Dogwood Festival.

For 35 years, the artisan fair has featured handcrafted, original works by artists working in an array of mediums. This year’s fair features 90 artisans, 20 new to the festival. Offerings include paintings, ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, photography, fiber, metal and food.

The three-day fair is April 26-28, 2019 on the lawns of Lewis-Clark State College, with the flowering dogwood trees of the Normal Hill neighborhood set to be in full bloom.

Here’s a look at five artists expected to be there.

Lynda Anderson of Wilder, Idaho, offers customers the opportunity to design their own wearable art, from silk scarves and dog bandanas to ties and hats, using an ebru water marbling technique. People can select their prefered colors and use various tools to print a one-of-a-kind piece.

Traditional leather carving is combined with contemporary and playful designs in work by Megan Weeks of Driggs, Idaho. Besides bracelets and rings, Weeks also sells horse tack, guitar straps and a variety of other goods.

Christine Smith of Carlton, Ore., creates upcycled stained-glass mosaics with a three-dimensional bent under the name Yes Dear Creations.

Sherri Travis’ hand-painted and crafted bonsai trees made from copper and aluminum wire are nature-inspired decor with no pruning required. Travis, of Sun City West, Ariz., once owned dozens of real bonsai trees; a couple of them were more than 200 years old. The trees died after a move, and she began making trees as therapy and gifts.

Using exotic woods from Hawaii, Central America and the Caribbean, Denny Melancon of Kaysville, Utah, uses woodworking techniques to create beautiful items for daily use. His offerings include pepper mills, coffee grinders, seam rippers and earrings.

IF YOU GO


WHAT: Art Under the Elms

WHEN: April 26-28, 2019

Noon to 7 p.m. Friday

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston

COST: $4 for access the entire weekend

OF NOTE:


  • The 7 Devils will play a free concert from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday night at the amphitheater.


  • The food court will be open until 8 p.m. Friday and until 6 p.m. Saturday. Admission to the food court and amphitheater is free.


  • Children’s activities include an interactive art tent and tea parties with fairies in the Dogwood Fairy tent. Community nonprofits will provide carnival-style family games. There will be live music and performances on two stages.