In it’s 42nd year, the Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair hits Memorial Park Saturday, July 8. The laid back, family friendly event features over 100 artists from across the United States, in years past some from over seas. A variety of artists will be selling original artwork in multiple forms. Ceramics, paintings, prints, fiber arts, jewelry, photography, sculptures, wood and glass work, leather and mixed media can all be acquired Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Over the last few years attendance and artist participation has dwindled but this year the fair is back in full force. “2008 was our low point”, said Royal Oak Recreation Director Tod Gazetti, “This year we are back to 115 artists, we’re really looking forward to a great fair this year.”
The key to success for an art fair is diversity. Lorna Wilddon, president of the Royal Oak Arts Council and co-sponsor of the show with Royal Oak Recreation told Hometown Life, “Every year or so, there’s a surge in a category, like this year it was jewelry. Many of our rejected artists made jewelry. It was nice, but we didn’t want half the show to be jewelry.”
Entertainment includes the Barber Shop Quartet and Sweet Adelines quartet. The crooners will stroll through the fair serenading art lovers. If your appetite requires more than art, the Green Zebra food truck will be on site for pasta salad and gazpacho soup, Whities will deliver their famous thirst quenching homemade lemonade and Mastro’s ice cream will satisfy any sweet tooth.
The Royal Oak Outdoor Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 7, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 8. Memorial Park is located at 13 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue.
Photo Credit – Jen Tashman
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