Featured Artist for Art Fair Announced

The Friends of the Sierra Madre Library are pleased to announce and introduce Ivy Shuman as the Featured Artist for their 49th Annual Art Fair, Saturday May 7 and Sunday May 8.

A woodturner for more than 25 years and self-described “wood-junkie”, Ivy, owner of Storied Woods in Chatsworth (www.storiedwoods.com), is expecting to present his selection of art pieces which will include wood vases, classic bowls, flower bowls, and business and home accessories.  “My creative endeavors have evolved from a high regard for craft and craftsmanship.  Early on, I’d fallen in love with the color, figure and texture in wood.  Each piece of wood is unique in its features, which includes the flaws,” said Ivy “By incorporating the most exciting and interesting elements with creative design, I strive to offer a distinctive variety of turned wood art.”

Shuman began woodworking in 1977 making furniture, fly tying boxes and bookcases.  His first lathe was purchased in 1984 and so began his love with this turned form of artistic expression.  Ivy’s work is currently sold through Southern California art galleries, shows and specialty shops, and he’s been a regular at the Friend’s Art Fair for the past eight years.  “I have a lot of galleries that carry my pieces, but an event like the Art Fair allows me to have more of a relationship with my buyers,“ said Ivy.  “I appreciate the instant feedback that the face-to-face showing offers, as it allows me to see if they appreciate the work.”

The “Featured Artist” is a regular recognition at the Friends Art Fair.  According to Sharon Murphy, Art Fair Chairperson, although the medium is rotated each year, the artist is selected for his/her exceptional skill, creating 100% hand-crafted pieces by the artist, and pieces that are eye-catching.  “What separates Sierra Madre’s Art Fair from crafty-type festivals is the quality of work,“ said Sharon.  “Ivy definitely reflects the exceptional quality of art that has been a hallmark of our Art Fair,” she said.

According to Shuman, he considers those attending the Friends Art Fair to be among the most intelligent and sophisticated of customers.  “Those who attend this event understand the various art media, they’re easily educated and there’s a very loyal following in Sierra Madre.  What keeps me coming back to Sierra Madre is also the QUALITY of the art and the artists.  It’s a pleasure to participate with these other artists,” said Shuman.  Ivy will be joining these 100 other artists demonstrating their techniques in other media such as oils, jewelry, glass art, metal art, ceramics, weavings and photography.

Memorial Park, at 222 W Sierra Madre Blvd in the heart of charming Sierra Madre will be transformed to allow patrons to not only LOOK, but to LISTEN to a number of local bands performing both days.  Add to this, TASTE from a full food court, and you will be attending what continues to be one of the year’s most popular events.  Also, for the kids, you’ll find the Sierra Madre Creative Art’s Group craft activity called “Insects in the Garden).  The young ones will enjoy drawing their favorite insect, then create their own garden of plants and flowers, using a variety of different materials.

In addition to teasing every one of your senses, you’ll enable the Friends of the Sierra Madre Library to support programs and services.   This past year, the Friends donated over $58,000 for library equipment and upgrades.  For more information about the Art Fair, contact Sharon Murphy (626) 355-3977, and discover more details at www.sierramadrelibraryfriends.org.