‘Avant-garde’ show brings crafts to Columbus

Rachel Harriman
Thu, 03 Mar 2016 01:00:57 +0000
Campus, arts, arts and crafts, Avant-garde, crafts, Hope's Hollow, spring, St. Agatha Church

The Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show started in northeast Ohio and has since migrated to Columbus and around the state. The quarterly event was created by Becki Silverstein, a local arts supporter.

The Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Show, which Silverstein said is already expecting between 550 and 750 patrons to attend, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at St. Agatha Church, located at 1860 Northam Road.

“This craft show is unlike any others of its kind,” Silverstein said, when asked to describe some of the crafts and art that will be sold.

Some of the most noteworthy things found at the art show include string art creations, handmade jewelry, original tie-dye goods, homemade candles and OSU gear.

“The reason I started this craft show is because when I would attend other craft shows, they were just like any other stereotypical arts show, and I would leave empty handed and disappointed,” Silverstein said.

Instead, patrons can sip on coffee as they roam the aisles in search of the perfect gift, and they can purchase from one of more than 100 vendors selling their goods. All of the vendors are hand-selected by Silverstein to ensure there are a variety of goods being sold at the art show.

“This craft show features more current types of artwork and clothing. You will actually be able to find some to wear to go out in or put in your dorm room,” Silverstein said.

A percentage of the artwork sales will also be donated to Hope’s Hollow, a local charity that houses cancer patients and their families for no charge as they undergo treatment. Hope’s Hollow ensures that the families are emotionally as well as financially cared for, for as long as the patient is receiving treatment in Columbus, according to the organization’s website. ?

“I always try to find a charity in the area so that the money vendors make not only supports small, independent businesses, but so that it goes straight back into the community,” Silverstein said.

With a large turnout and sales expected, Silverstein said the Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Show has universal appeal.

“This is a younger, funkier type of show,” Silverstein said, “I guarantee that any age from 18 to 65 will be able to find something they love.”

Editor’s note: a previous version of this article incorrectly spelled “Avant-garde.”