Shoppers in search of the perfect Mother’s Day gift may find a one-of-a-kind way to mark the occasion this weekend at the 12th annual Spring Art Market at Allens Lane Art Center in Mt. Airy.
Handmade pottery, jewelry and artwork will be featured at the art fair, scheduled from noon to 5 p.m., May 9 to 10. Admission is free and all proceeds from sales support local artisans and the art center’s gallery shows and children’s programs.
“It’s all works from our students and our faculty,” Vita Litvak, the center’s executive director said of the unique gifts and vibrant artwork for sale. She called the event “a great opportunity to build community, meet other people and meet your neighbors.”
Chloe Theodosiou, studio manager at Allens Lane, added that the event is “a real showcase of all of the talent we have here.” Young adults and retirees make up a large portion of current students, she said, describing them as supportive of one another and excited for “what they can create next.”
One student named Elaine, a retiree, enjoys making “gorgeous” jewelry out of recycled materials, such as dangling earrings made from empty soda cans and other items, Theodosiou said.
Throughout the first floor of the art center building, visitors will find functional pottery including mugs, bowls, trays, vases, and pots with plants, along with ceramic and metal jewelry, candles, illustrated cards, oil and watercolor paintings, charcoal sketches, and unique sculptures.
The art fair will also offer an “interactive” experience, which is new this year, Litvak said. Visitors can explore their own artistic talents by painting and personalizing pieces of unglazed pottery — plates, bowls, mugs — which will be fired in the art center’s kilns and available for pick up at a later date. Children can also participate in the artmaking experience with specialized activities alongside their family members.
“Everyone’s an artist,” Litvak said.
Founded in 1953, Allens Lane Art Center is in its 72nd year of serving Northwest Philadelphia and providing the community with “lifelong learning,” Litvak said. “Our mission is bringing people together through joyful and creative experiences.”
The art center offers programming for children, teens and adults, including classes in ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking, and animation. Performing arts instruction is also available and music, dance, spoken word and comedy shows are offered at the center’s “Live! At The Lane ” theater.
For more information, visit allenslane.org
