Lately, when Oxford resident Debbie Angell has attended an art show, she’s noticed they’re turning into more of a craft show and don’t feature original, hand-crafted items.
‘It’s not good quality,? she said. ‘You’re seeing the same thing over and over and over.?
That’s why Angell and four other women decided it was their chance to create a slightly upscale art show that featured unique items of the highest quality ? you won’t see any Christmas wreaths or imported candles here.
Angell and Oxford residents Gillian Nix, Jane Charlton, Alycia Dolan and Sterling Heights resident Donna Watson met through the Beadifferent Boutique in downtown Oxford, and will be hosting their first annual art show, called The Art Shoppe, at Boulder Pointe Golf Club & Center on Saturday, Nov. 18.
Seventeen different art vendors from Metamora, Oxford, Rochester, Roseville, Utica and Detroit will have booths at the show, and will fill tables with framed art, glass and metal works, fabric ornamental dolls, jewelry, accessories, a fiber artist and even three-dimensional Brazilian embroidery.
The five women, who call themselves Toad in the Hole Productions, will be showing off their jewelry making skills.
Nix’s colorful bracelets, necklaces and earrings are made with semi precious stones and vintage Swarovski crystals, and range anywhere from $15-200.
Angell’s clever bracelets are made with vintage pieces of China and even keys from a typewriter. She also makes unique necklaces with swirling pieces of lampwork beads.
Also featured at the show will be delicate glasswork by students from the College of Creative Studies in Detroit, and clothing accessories made by Oxford resident Joy Libby.
Libby uses old sweaters to create handbags and pins. She even uses pieces of antique silverware as a base for some clothing pins.
‘It’s interesting to see (art) work from all these people who are right in your backyard,? she said.
Angell said the group hopes to make the art show a bi-annual event, but that their long-term goal is to open an art center in Oxford for those who are producing art or would like to learn.
‘Oxford truly has the potential,? she said. ‘I think it’s very achievable.?
The Art Shoppe show will run from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission is $1 and strollers are prohibited. Boulder Pointe is located at 1 Champion’s Circle in Oxford.