44th annual Rockbrook art fair cozy, eye-catching

Artists and art lovers joined together in Rockbrook Village from Sept. 12 to 13 to view, sell, and purchase homemade pieces of art.

Over 130 booths were filled with crafts, metal works, ceramics, sculptures, paintings and more. The background of the vendors varied; though most were from the Midwest, artists from around the country also participated.

The art fair is tucked away in a small portion of Rockbrook Village; one could visit the shopping and dining center and not realize the event was taking place. When out of sight of the fair, the sound of the live music is the only clue that it is there.

The event is cozy and small, though it increases in size each year. The first event was held 44 years ago, in 1971, after being organized by the “Mayor of Rockbrook,” Gloria Mathews, a local woman committed to improving the area.

Most of the attendees are couples in their middle to upper ages, with lots of money to spend on decorating their home or garden area. That being said, one can feel a little out of place if they are only in the mood to browse or admire artwork. Still, the vendors are exceedingly polite and do not attempt to push people to buy pieces.

A pagoda area decorated by plants, dotted with tables and chairs, and shaded by trees is available for people to relax and eat in.

The booths are beautifully decorated, and each appears as a small, colorful and eye-catching exhibit set inside a white plastic booth. Inside, one could find handmade jewelry ranging from dainty necklaces or rings with huge stones in the center. Or one could pick up handmade bowls, cups, and pots that were spun on a potter’s wheel. In between includes hand-knit blankets, sculpted metal garden accents, or colorful abstract paintings. When looking for a decorative art piece, the Rockbrook art fair is a must-stop.