Old Lyme Midsummer Festival Vendors

Vendors

Here are the vendors for 2011, please check back for updates.

Crafted-by-Hand in Connecticut: An Artisan Fair

Absinthine, Michelle Pearson, Old Lyme, CT

Michelle’s pieces are all handmade, crafted from .92 Sterling Silver and/or .99 Fine Silver. Each design is inspired by its components: Michelle actively seeks out antique or unusually striking materials to work with, such as genuine Jet, Baltic Amber, undyed Corals, and carved stone or bone beads.
Art Salad Studio, Jennifer Johnson, Lisbon, CT

After many years of exploring different art mediums, I have narrowed my true loves to fused glass, mosaics and concrete garden art. I can no longer deny my need to create and have begun an adventure to share my art with the world...or at least anyone willing to look. Mother Nature is my muse, and I play with new techniques and designs as often as I can. Check out where I have been and watch me as I evolve.
Billie Beads, Billie Tannen & Robert Nielsen, Brooklyn, NY

In 1987, Billie and Bob began creating intricate, hand-sculpted polymer clay beads and objects covered with an evolving array of colors and patterns. Without knowing it at the time, they were using the ancient methods of caneworking and millefiore, techniques used in the creation of Egyptian fused mosaic glass and Venetian glass beadwork. The properties of polymer clay lend themselves to mesmerizing designs of rich and subtle color and astonishing detail.
Chris Straus, West Hartford, CT

Joy, Concentration, and achievement describe Chris as he paints. Chris’ ability to paint was discovered during high school by his dedicated and innovative art teachers. While he has won an outside juried art award for his ceramics, Chris has a particular passion for oil painting, mostly from family photographs. Chris is a special needs individual with delays in motoric and mental domains. When you look at his paintings, you could never tell that he spent years learning to print as a young person. Chris’ patient, small brushstrokes reveal his attention to detail, and his color choices draw the viewer into his pieces. He hopes his work puts a smile on your face.
Clay Bodies Pottery, Pat Rist, Branford, CT

Pat uses antique lace and crochet to add texture to her pieces and in the process creates a permanent record of some of her ancestor's handiwork. She also creates whimsical garden sculptures and animal caricatures.
K.M. Brown Studio, Kristen Brown, Lebanon, CT

Artist statement: Thank you for your interest in K. M. Brown Studio. Enjoy browsing through this selection of my handcrafted jewelry made by my own happy hands in my Connecticut studio. The silver work in each design is made by me from raw materials that come from a solar-powered supplier, a local supplier, 100% recycled -- or some combination of the above. I use earth-friendly materials and processes as often as possible.
Lori Neumann, Salem, CT

Lori uses her farm and pets as inspiration for many of her original oil paintings. Working on pieces of varying size from a 3"X3" miniature to a large 18"X24" framed wall piece. She also paints on canvas totes, clothing, and even pumpkins! Lori’s paintings are full of spirit and character. Many people commission her to paint pet portraits as well as house portraits.
The Burbs Handmade Toys, Ashleigh Burbidge, Norwich, CT

I work my little hands off creating the brightest, quirkiest toys and collectibles that reflect my fantastical fickled mind. A kooky little shop of handmade toys and collectibles (for kids of all ages!)