Download the Artist Application here for a gallery space and contact us: bluebirdmarket@gmail.com to participate.

Everyone who loves the self taught artist will love the Fall Folk Art Show and Sale this Saturday at our neighborhood Bluebird Farmers’ Market. I simply adore the individual who paints, sculpts, or creates pottery from the heart and soul.

If you know of a creative local person that works in any type of self-taught arts, please invite them to the Show and Sale this Saturday at Bluebird Market from 8 am until noon. There will be a free community Earlybird Breakfast of Harvest Apple Wheat Pancakes with Cider Syrup. New vendors are welcome.

I find the study of how communities unfold in self expression a fascinating measure of development. The imagination is mysterious and because Folk Art is for those outside of the schooled arts, these self-taught artisans bring pure interpretations that are cherished and welcome at Bluebird Market.

We learn from many fine techniques and practices that are taught in the world of art. When I was younger I studied at the High Museum and was a Children’s Guide through the museum. We were taught amazing ways to really see art that I still practice and am so fortunate to have studied and acquired. The lessons were also part of learning how to give tours at the Swan House to better understand the arts, fabrics, furnishings and art history of the home. I completely appreciate fine arts and the schools of art. However, some of my very favorite art, is much beloved Southern Folk Art.

Folk Art sells in ranges from $5.00 to $50,000 for museum quality collectibles. The pieces that are considered Folk Art are not country crafts. Examples of Folk Art are religious inspired pieces, cutouts that are made from tin, carvings of wood-relief and environmental sculpture gardens created from found objects. Folk art is the artisans way of recycling or upcycling to repurpose refuse and unwanted items into creations that touch the soul.

The raw expressions of the folk artisan are not conformed and bring us genuine creative passion, and that is becoming more cherished. Because of the urban influence and computers and chainstores, it is rare, and of great value, to find an untouched rural culture with Folk Artisans that create from an authentic local experience. That is why I so adore venues that now bring our local people into the light. We have many undiscovered artists in Thomaston and I have seen garden pottery that belongs in a museum sold at Bluebird Market.

Folk Artists don’t seek the art world, the art world finds them. We are still undiscovered. So I am excited to bring everyone together at Bluebird who creates with the freedom of expression that is so pure having not been schooled in the arts. It is refreshing and the finds are amazing. I invite you to take a look at the art pieces like paintings, metal arts, pottery and more to discover what life experiences are present and how they speak to you this Saturday at the Bluebird Market Fall Folk Artisan Show and Sale.

It is my belief many of these self-taught individuals have created folk art pieces that belong in a museum. 　

Enrich your life on Saturday at the Bluebird Market. Explore with us each week to discover simple ways we can affordably contribute to sustainable and renewable eco-friendly living. Find resources online at www.yougottabekidding.org and www.bluebirdmarket.com.