Crystal Lake Park Art Fair this Saturday and Sunday

URBANA - Over 40 artists are expected to display their artwork and wares at the 6th Annual Crystal Lake Park Art Fair this Saturday and Sunday. The two-day event held at Crystal Lake Park is a collaborative organizational effort between 40 North and the Urbana Park District.

The art fair will be open from 10 am to 4 pm on both days. Vendor booths will be located along the park road adjacent to the Lake House and the large pavilion. Local and regional artists will be offering paintings, textiles, ceramics, photography, jewelry, glass, mixed media, and more for sale.

Featured artists include Champaign native Megan Hinds, an alumna of Illinois State University, where she specialized in printmaking. She graduated with magna cum laude honors in 2016, and her work has been exhibited at the Jan Brandt Gallery, Joe McCauley Gallery, Heartland Community College, 40North Gallery, Spudnik Press Cooperative's Annex Gallery, The Art Center, and Lincoln Land Community College. Recently, her artwork was awarded the Best-Emerging Artist award at the Ann Arbor Art Festival in 2019, the Best 2-D Artist award at the Naperville Fine Art Festival, and the Best Printmaker award at the Deer Park Art Festival.

If you're someone who loves the romantic side of life and is looking for artwork that reflects that passion, you might be interested in the work of Melanie Sartori. She is a self-taught artist and muralist based in Madison, WI, drawing inspiration from vintage items, travel, and adventure. Melanie often uses locally collected vintage and antique frames to create one-of-a-kind paintings, using the frames as a starting point for her creativity and to infuse her work with a sense of history and sustainability. Additionally, she creates unique jewelry collections as part of her commissioned work.

Cammie Meerdink, the artist known for her visionary work at Piper Pottery & Crafts in Mahomet, has been creating stunning and practical clay pieces for more than two decades. Her process involves incorporating natural elements, vintage artifacts, and contemporary influences to produce singular stoneware pieces. Meerdink has gained recognition in artistic communities for her imaginative and utilitarian pottery designed for both home and garden use.

2024 Crystal Lake Park Art Fair Artists

• Jodi Adams
• Ames Woodworking
• Eli Brown
• Kim Caisse
• Bekki Canine
• Nicholas Cragoe
• Daisy Bags
• Darin Doty
• EKAH
• Fabrikate
• Courtney Farquharson
• Gathered Illusions Glass
• Gaye Grant
• Crystal Hartman
• Jon & Patricia Hecker
• Megan Hinds
• Hooey Batiks
• Sara Jahn 
• Lindsey the Ladysmith
• Chasity Logan
• Vince Merriman
• Midwestcapades
• Wes Morefield
• Carly Morrison
• Allison Norfleet Bruenger
• Pipapo
• Piper Pottery
• Quirky Quiltress
• Red Ember Forge
• Christopher Reme
• Fraya Replinger
• Jerry Rhoads
• Deana Rose
• Cindy Sampson
• Melanie Sartori
• Howard Schein
• Sarah Simpson
• Anthony Slichenmyer
• Smiling Snake Shrit Co.
• Richard Wehrs
• Judy Zeddies

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Six holiday gift pleasers from Miranda's Loom at Lincoln Square

Located in Lincoln Square Mall, Miranda's Loom features the work of around 15 local fine art artists. From intricate fiber arts to eye-catching pottery, there dozens of gift ideas you won't find anywhere else in Champaign-Urbana. Whether it is metal work, finely crafted turned wood or understated ikebana vases, there are dozens of art pieces waiting to become a sentimental addition to any home's decor.

Owner Leann Gehm is an award-winning artist who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art and a Master of Science degree in Art Therapy. Preferring plant-based natural fibers for her work, Gehm crafts colorful pieces with delicate precision.

Miranda's Loom, located near the mall center across from the food court, is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 6pm and on Saturday's from 10am - 2pm.

Below are six of more than of dozen one of a kind gift ideas from Miranda's Loom to put a smile on the face of that special someone this holiday season. See something you like? You will want to visit Gehm's store as soon as you can to see if the pieces featured below are still available.

Handwoven cowls

Above: Created on the premises, choose from more than a dozen handwoven cowls by artist and owner Leann Gehm. This piece is perfect when you want a lighter accessory for a splash of color or to keep you a bit warmer on a chilly day in the office or when out on the town. Gehm's cowls are eco-friendly made from eucalyptus fiber and embellished with glass beads. They are lightweight, silky with a wonderful drape. $68.

Bracelets

Below: While bracelets are commonly used as an accessory item to finish off a look, for many people they are more than just a stylish accessory. In some cultures bracelets carry a meaning deeper than the threads that compose them and are intimate gifts for both men and women. Made by Sarah Bernzott her free-spirited style will make a splash this holiday season. Prices from $12 - $50.

Gift Cards

Miranda's Loom Gift Cards are the perfect gift for the person who is difficult to buy for; let them choose from hundreds of art pieces in the store. There are handcrafted greeting cards, handmade basketry, gorgeous scarves for every occasion and more.

Available starting at $25 & up.

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Pottery

Created by Paul Borian from Blanket Creek Pottery, his stoneware features high-luster glazes and an elegant form. Buy a single piece or choose from several available sets in the store today. Prices range $26 - $56 per piece.

Necklaces

Featuring mixed metals and semi-precious gemstones, Sarah Bernzott necklaces are stylish and unique for a refined finish to any outfit. Prices range $12 - $50.

Find more gift ideas for this holiday season on the Miranda's Loom website at https://www.mirandasloom.com.