Nature
and Society
by Mimi Wuest
Reedsburg Independent
The old carriage barn has
seen many sights, but rarely one as festive as it saw last Friday.
A dramatic restoration has transformed the old Ringling Circus barn
on Water Street into the Baraboo Arts Building, and it was the site
of the first Very Merry Holiday Fair ever held. The rough brick walls
soared skyward to be embraced in the shadows by the solid timber joists
high above. Down below, there were lights and music and the happy
hum of conversation, as patrons of the fair sipped champagne and wandered
through the twenty-some exhibits of stained glass and jewelry and
pottery, metal work, baskets, wood crafts and more.
The overall effect was
dazzling; the lights reflected off the glass and the sequins on the
elegant clothing and the lively faces everywhere. Tiny white Christmas
lights winked a hundred twinkles and a man at the keyboard, dressed
in black tie and vest, played holiday songs. Amid myriad hors d ourves,
both hot and cold, and it was an event to delight all the senses.
As art fairs go, it was
small, but it offered a wonderful variety of art works, from practical
purses and scarves to the fanciful batik prints and dramatic metal
sculptural pieces. This fair also had local authors and their recent
works, among them Travis Klingaman, younger brother of my daughter's
friend Tina, who has written a novel entitled The Battle Within.
Other unique exhibits included homemade dog and cat treats and organic,
all vegetable soaps and lotions.
Unlike some holiday fairs
that primarily display Holiday decorations, this art fair was filled
with beautiful gifts for giving and receiving. I came away with pottery
and prints and soaps and wood crafts for some of my lucky friends.
I have participated in quite a number of art shows over the years,
and I've attended many more, and this was the loveliest one ever.
It had everything: art, music, food and the most amazing setting.
I hope the Very Merry Holiday
Fair, which was sponsored by Helen's Daughters Studio of Baraboo,
will become an annual event and a bright spot on the holiday horizon
for many years to come.
