First Fiber Arts Fest and Market Aug. 19 in Smithville
Fiber rugs will be just one of the many exhibits on display during Smithville Historical Society’s Fiber Arts Fest & Market on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Learning the true beauty surrounding the art of fiber will come to Smithville during a new endeavor by the Smithville Community Historical Society.
The organization will present its first Fiber Arts Fest & Market on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mishler Weaving Mill, 381 E. Main St., Smithville, when artists from several local counties will showcase and sell their hand-crafted items made through various fiber techniques including wood, pottery, clay and leather, along with other types of homemade items, explained Matt Reese, publicity chairman for the Smithville Community Historical Society.
“The Mishler Weaving Mill will be open for tours and weaving demonstrations, and a quilt show will take place,” Reese said. “Food, beverages, live music and a vintage base ball game also are part of the event. All handmade pottery at our pottery building in the Pioneer Village will be 50% off. The event is free to attend.”
In addition to fiber arts, visitors to the event will have the opportunity to take a tour of the historical society’s Pioneer Village, which includes a blacksmith, tin smith, potter, spring house and authentic log cabins, dating all the way back to the early 1800s.
“There will be a blacksmith, tin smith and potter who will be providing live demonstrations of their crafts,” Reese said. “The 1882 train depot that served the Wheeling & Lake Erie Rail Line houses a collection of railroad memorabilia (at the historical society). Adjacent to the depot is the 1926-era Baltimore & Ohio red caboose that houses a collection of vintage toys.”
In addition, the Historic Church of God, also part of the Smithville Community Historical Society, will showcase the organization’s private quilt collection for the event, Reese said.
“All the quilts are handmade, with some dating back to the early 1900s with a variety of quilt styles and stitching. The quilt collection is stunning,” Reese said.
Vendors for the event, Reese explained, cover a variety of fiber categories and techniques, with the goal being to have a unique array of vendors to showcase a spectrum of talent.
Among those scheduled to attend are Amy Styer, Afghans by Amy, crochet baby items, hats, home décor and more; Michelle Steiner, But Did You Dye? fitness-inspired hand-dyed yarn; Linda Ann Marie Bertanzetti, LAMB RUGS, rugs, table runners, weaving looms, shuttlers and more; Carol Korba, Si Suri Alpacas LLC/The Alpaca Shoppe, alpaca products such as fleece, yarn, batts, clothing, bird nesters and stuffed animals; Mary Martin, Heritage Haven Farm, hand-woven items, looms and weaving kits, and handcrafted nature items; Tracey Clark, Beyond the Brush Studio, a variety of art such as paintings, tie dye, wood crafts, possibly pottery and jewelry; Lynette Miller, Church Street Designs, crochet dresses; and Kelly Young, Homemade with Kelly, cakes and cookies.
“Smithville, Wayne County as well as Holmes County are home to many hand-crafted fiber artists, and this event is a way to not only bring them all together, but to provide a window into that community,” Reese said. “The Smithville Community Historical Society is excited to be able to offer this event and showcase so many local, talented artisans.”
The Mishler Weaving Mill still operates as a textile weaving mill and is one of the few remaining mills still weaving rugs and dishcloth as they were in the 1800s. Original hand looms and mechanical looms are still in use, the oldest dating back to 1895, Reese said.
“Volunteer weavers use the looms to create rugs, placemats, dishcloths and other woven items and are all available to purchase in the gift shop, which helps to support the Mishler Weaving Mill. The Mill will be open with weaving demonstrations, and an opportunity to purchase textiles are available at the Fiber Arts Fest, as well as at all of our events. The mill and gift shop are also open to the public every Wednesday from 1:30-4 p.m.,” Reese said.
This is the first year for the Fiber Arts Fest, and those working to make the event a success are hoping for many visitors to come see the Smithville Historical Society grounds and take part in the occasion.
“The Fiber Arts Fest is a way to bring creative artists from all around the area together, and it gives them an opportunity to showcase and sell their creations,” Reese said. “There is a wide variety of vendors that will interest people. It’s also a chance to tour the Mishler Mill and see the weavers in action. Along with that, the log buildings, depot and caboose are open for tours. The Smithville Community Historical Society campus is a treasure to visit, and there is so much history in each building.”
The organization has partnered with the Smithville Ruritans as a food vendor, so there will be no need to get hungry throughout the day.
Profits from this event help support the Smithville Community Historical Society.
“As a nonprofit organization, we rely heavily on donations and funds raised at events such as the Fiber Arts Fest & Market. Funds are used to maintain buildings and fund future events and activities,” Reese said. “We are staffed by volunteers and are always looking for new volunteers and members.
“As a volunteer you have the opportunity to participate in all our events, which include a variety of activities such as reenactors, demonstrators and building hosts in the historical buildings. Volunteers get a closer look at the historical artifacts, as well as an in-depth look and experience at the history of pioneer life in the 19th century.”
The Smithville Community Historical Society has monthly events from May to December. Upcoming events include a Cruise-In on Sept. 17, Harvest Fest and Market on Oct. 14, Trick or Treat in the Pioneer Village and free movie afterward on Oct. 28, Thanksgiving Hymn Sing on Nov. 12, and Christmas in the Pioneer Village on Dec. 2 and 3. All events will take place at the Smithville Community Historical Society at 180 E. Main St. in Smithville and are free to attend. Visit www.SOHCHS.org or the Facebook page for more details or to find out how to volunteer.