Artisans show their stuff at the Little Harbour Spring Art Show

Written by: Mirella Santillo

16 May, 2014

Above: Marjolein Scott showing her vibrant paintings, prints and tile work during a warm, Little Harbour Art Show.

Some of the best artists and crafts people of Abaco displayed their creations at the Little Harbour Spring Art Show held at Pete’s Pub on Saturday, April 26.

It was the perfect day for an art show in the open, albeit a little hot. However, a cool ocean breeze came through as periodic relief.

Under a large tent, close to the parking lot, craft artists offered their latest creations in a medley of jewelry, ceramic, sewn items and pine needle work.

The first table many visitors saw held the creations of Peter Bradley. Mr. Bradley, a silversmith, gets his inspiration from the local sea-fauna, producing delicate and exquisite pieces in sterling silver or silver overlay, such as starfish, seahorses, sand dollars and more. These pieces become part of a bracelet, a pendant, or earrings. Some of his creations are also functional such as one of his latest pieces, a bottle opener – the handle made of boar tusk.

Kim Roberts, of Dawn Design, is famous for her kilts, but is always exploring new media. She has now added ceramic to her work. She also gets her decoration inspiration from nature.

Quite a few people gathered at Christine Sawyer’s table which displayed pine needle and clay-fashioned items. Many were particularly interested in the earrings and pendants that make unique, casual jewelry.

The “Bead Lady,” had her usual display of sea glass items. Earrings and pendants crafted out of rare black and blue sea glass also attracted many onlookers.

Wood-turner, Stephen Albury, offered a large selection of wood crafted items, such as bowls, pestles, pot-pourri holders and more. The wood is polished to a high shine with some items decorated with semi-precious stones.

An array of sewn items such as place mats, phone covers, iPad covers, cushions, purses, key-chains crafted in colourful and varied fabric was spread over the table of Vonda Bethel.

The upstairs decks were reserved for the painters: Eyma Ritchie, Jo-Ann Bradley and Marjolein Scott.

Turtles were the emphasis of Mrs. Scott’s work. So realistic was her rendition of our local sea life that they seem to jump out of tiles, paintings and prints to greet onlookers.

A huge woodpecker eating berries, on a beautiful foliage background immediately attracted attention at Jo-Ann Bradley’s booth.

The delicate seascapes of Eyma Ritchie reminded one of a lazy day at sea watching the sail boats go by. Using oil for the originals, he also offers them as prints.

Attila Feszt’s table displayed stamped canvas fabrics and t-shirts stamped with the same original motifs. He explained that he was in the process of creating a whole new line.

A new-comer, Francoise Hedden, explained that she painted scenes inspired by the natural designs on wood.

Brendon Pinder, another new-comer to the Abaco art scene, occupied the second floor deck together with the Cancer Society table. A young artist who is just exploring his potential, he is trying his style in a variety of media, even using different media in the same painting.

Of course, the Foundry Gallery was open, featuring the bronze work of Pete Johnson.

Outside the gallery two nature lovers, Lainie Snow and her daughter Erin Albury, occupied tables. Ms. Albury offered a variety of functional and decorative items created from shells, drift wood, and sea glass.

Mrs. Snow’s booth was a jungle of orchids, air plants and other bromeliads in various stages of flowering, spreading from the display table to the wall of the building. Delicate sea urchins holding miniature air plants, hung from lattice, sharing the space with larger ones.

As the afternoon went on, crowds of people arrived. Wild boar was on the menu and music filled the air. The fun lasted well into the evening.

Well-attended, it seemed that the Second Annual Little Harbour Spring Art Show was a great success for organizers and participants.