fig® - Downtown Lancaster

I fully admit that despite the fact that I live in the heart of Media, I often have no idea what’s going on in town. I don’t know if other locals are the same way, but I always have to consult resources like Fig Media to know what the cause of the ruckus is on the streets below my windows. As fate would have it, I checked Fig Media’s Facebook page on Saturday only to discover that the 46th Annual Media Art Exhibition and Craft Fair was the following day. This was right up my alley!

I took an afternoon stroll up and down State Street to take in the sights, sounds and smells from local artists and restaurants showcasing their wares for the public. My first stop was at Earth & State, where Drew, Arthur, Allen, and Bob were having a “Pottery Throwdown” (seen above). It took me a while to catch on to the fact that this was a play on words; when one uses a pottery wheel to make a piece, it’s called “throwing” pottery. I witnessed Drew attempt to throw his first pot. I am happy to report that with some guidance from Bob, Drew was able to make a small bowl. He was then generous enough to offer deep tissue massages with his clay-caked hands. The clay is locally sourced, of course.

Tammy McClelland of Tamme Handbags.

The Tamme Handbags tent was adorned with beautiful bags created by Tamme McClelland, who designs and sews all of her bags with the utmost care and precision. Tamme’s bags are striking not only because of the quality but also because of the prints. The prints she selects are lively and bold and give life to her one-of-a-kind creations. Tamme sells her bags at Earth and State and will soon be selling them at The Cedar Chest. Tamme often exhibits her gorgeous bags during Media’s 2nd Saturday Arts Stroll, and you can also find Tamme Handbags on the web and Facebook.

Linda Kowal Lynch with her FuNkY FuRniTuRe.

Registered Media Arts Council artist Linda Kowal Lynch is this year’s first-place winner of The Media Art Exhibition and Craft Fair. She upcycles furniture by hand-painting it. In doing so, she breathes new life into discarded pieces of furniture. Her tent was full of her creations, which she said had been flying out of her tent before I arrived to speak with her. When I got there, there were still some pieces left, including her winning piece, which was also featured at This Space for Rent Exhibit during May’s 2nd Saturday celebration. Find Linda’s FuNkY FuRniTuRe on Facebook.

During my stroll up and down State Street, I met several other artists who were proudly displaying their work. All the artists I spoke to were enthusiastic about having their art featured on this blog. Media is full of talented artists—I am looking forward to bringing their art to you through this blog throughout the summer and beyond!

—Nina J. Davidson

Nina is an aspiring novelist and New Jersey native. A little over a year ago, she moved to Media, and it has been the best decision she has ever made. She finds great joy in living here and tells everyone she meets about the magic of Media. Nina is honored to share her love of Media through this blog. She looks forward to meeting more artists and sharing their stories with you here on a biweekly basis.