Manayunk Art Festival

Earlier this week, I caught wind that Manayunk, a neighborhood of Philadelphia, hosts the largest Art Festival in the entire Delaware Valley. This was exciting news as I am sadly unable to make it to the Ann Arbor Art Fair this year. And perhaps it was the contrast of the last several years being exposed to the Ann Arbor ordeal that made yesterday's short trek to Manayunk somewhat disappointing. Take out the A2 factor and it was, by all accounts, a decent arts festival.; fact is, there were many artists on display that were extraordinary in their respective trades. And there was one notable difference, which I found a pleasant discovery... the artists had the time and energy to actually spend time talking to people. Could be that I went first thing on Saturday, could be that I was taken by booths where there wasn't a large crowd, could just be kismet... one never knows.

For parts of the time, I was sprinkled with rain; a welcomed reprieve from the high heat and humidity which actually made it tolerable and desirable for me to stop and grab something to drink and a snack along the way.

Also, since I was in Manayunk, which is also a very trendy and fashionable (if not slightly overrated) neighborhood, I did a little shopping in some of the local stores... checking out the Nicole Miller store; a great store with wares from Tibet and India; some fabulous little independent clothing retailers and the shoe store pictured above. I always knew cats had an affinity for shoes and that it wasn't just mine that did.

Nonetheless; there were a few booths at the festival I particularly enjoyed who also have websites. So I bring you some of the festival via blog:

Susan Hodgin: Her work had me mesmerized, and she's also quite a fascinating individual as well.

The Artesano Iron Works Gallery: Awesome pieces. Be forewarned, the link opens to a site that plays sound (I personally find it annoying, so I'm warning now).

Heidi Roland: Some of the best, most unique earrings I've seen.

And there you have it. There was one guy who's photography was superb, and he was rather unique as well... but I wasn't able to get his card/bio... and I didn't write down his name. Sad.

Maholo