Emerging Artists Participate at Deer Path Art Leagues’ Art Fair on the Square, 2010

If you asked one of these five high school students what they over Labor Day, they would have replied: “Learned a lot about the business of being an artist!” For that was what they were doing at the annual Deer Path Art League's Art Fair on the Square. “Emerging Artists” Lexi Martin, Sydney Jeffery, Kristen Holdsworth, Luke Donovan (all Lake Forest High School) and Kristina Kuhn (Lake Forest Academy) worked their booth for the two days, smiling, laughing, selling, greeting people as they passed by and answering questions about their art.

“I think it was a great experience for all the students involved. It is nice to see them getting recognition for all their talent and hard work,” said Theresa Morton, a member of the Deer Path Art League. She stated that the league sponsored the space as a learning experience for these students; the league would collect 10% of the earnings of what they sell. Theresa provided the professional guidance, but insisted they do the work. She, along with the Deer Path Art League, wanted them to have the real-life experience of an artist selling his or her work. They wanted the students to learn how to display, how to price, and how to talk to the potential clients about their work. What preparations were needed ahead of time to display their particular kind of art and also have the feeling of gallery when a person strolled through? They learned just how difficult it was to plan, haul, set up and take down, keep track of sales tax, and follow up with clients. These were all things the students learned firsthand! This was the 2nd year that the Deer Path Art League has sponsored the Emerging Artists' booth and the second year Theresa has assisted all the high school students.

Luke Donovan, a senior, was excited to show everyone how he handmade his wooden pens, key chains and artifacts. To explain his process he had photographs of his home equipment, his 8th grade graduation gift from his parents. He’s upgraded the equipment since then from the profit he’s made selling his pens. He had sold 12 by late in the day on Sunday and only had a few left. One high school student receives the Mayor’s Award each year; Luke was this year’s recipient. When asked what he thought of the show he said, “It’s a real pleasure being in such a high end art show at such a young age. It really helps teach me that there is money in the art business and that hard work does pay off. My favorite part about the art show is making the stuff I sell. I love woodworking, and even if I weren’t selling anything I would continue to make it. I have been doing the show for 3 years and have loved all of them.”

Exhibiting for the second year, Lexi Martin, a senior, really enjoyed talking to the many people who admired her work. She enjoyed describing the processes she used to make her fused glass bracelets and her mosaic images. Due to her vibrant, eye-catching display, Lexi sold several of her pieces. Plus she was commissioned to make additional mosaics!

Kristina Kuhn, a junior, displayed black and white photos of a special photography trip to Yosemite, and the images were breathtaking! She enjoyed sharing her photos and her experiences with the patrons of the fair! Kristina got into photography about three years ago when she discovered that taking pictures came naturally to her. She has taken a photo class and works hard to learn about photography. She sold 9 prints and had one commission. Most of her pictures were taken in Yosemite and others were from their family cottage in Wisconsin. She had a great time and enjoyed every minute of it. It was a lot of work for her, but in the end it was rewarding. 

Kristen Holdsworth, a senior, enjoyed her third year at the fair; her color photography was sold both as framed images and as handmade note cards. The cards had varying themes from local fruit markets to an eerie Halloween. She sold both and enjoyed talking to the people who stopped in to admire her work. Every photo is taken from some element of inspiration, varying from the mysteriousness of Halloween to the eloquent gardens of Lake Forest residents. She had invested her time in hand folding, mounting and signing each individual card so it may become a work of art that others can appreciate and share with someone special! She said, “The Art Fair is a wonderful opportunity to expose students’ art work in a very real public market. We are able to get a taste of what it is like, to brainstorm, produce, price and sell our own product. There is nothing more rewarding than to hear praise from spectators, about your work, appreciating the time and effort put forth into your own art.”

Sydney Jeffrey, a senior, created functional ceramic pieces for the show. Her preferred color palette was evident in her display, primary cool blues and greens with yellow. Sydney sold many of her pieces. One can only wonder, will pieces such as her tea bowls be used for their intended purpose or put on display because of their sheer beauty? Either way, they are certain to be enjoyed! When asked about her time spent in the booth she said, "I really enjoyed being a part of the Lake Forest Art Show, I loved seeing every ones creations and how people express themselves in different ways, and it really inspired me."