By Isabell Macrina
Hometown Weekly Staff
Westwood Artists, a group of community artists working and living in our little town, took to Westwood Plaza to host a pop up craft fair in celebration of spring, and just in time for Mother’s Day. Between the stores, different artists set up their tables to show and sell their works.
Though it was a small event, the artists showed off a variety of mediums they worked with and had many products to sell. Kathleen O’Donnell had a display of her origami paper earrings, with shapes from fans to cranes, and ornaments to go with them. She makes then out of origami and scrapbook paper, finding whatever colors speak to her and making delicate earrings that add fun to any ensemble. Karen Flowers Cagan, who works at the library right across the street, was selling prints, magnets, and cards of her photography. It features flora like daisies and azaleas, but also local attractions and monuments. One card showed the Make Way For Ducklings statue which got a smile from me. Lisa WB Walker had her gorgeous pottery on display. Done in a variety of pastels and deep colors, she had handmade spoon rests, bowls, dishes, coasters, and vases that would fit in any décor in a home. Carol Ahearn had a variety of works available for purchase. Her watercolor and acrylic paintings were up there, as well as prints of them on anything from cards to bookmarks. They featured beach landscapes, lemons, but predominantly hydrangeas. She had decoupaged seashells with the interior covered in a piece of hers, which could be used for jewelry dishes or more.
Beyond selling what they create, pop ups like this give artists a sense of community. Art is typically a solitary passion, working on your own pieces free from distractions. It can become lonely. Events like this enable them to go out, get to know and support their fellow artists, and friends and family came out in droves to show their support and buy a few things. Keep an eye out for more events run by the Westwood Artists and keep supporting local businesses.
