More than 1,600 visitors filled the community center during the 47th Black Forest Arts and Crafts Guild Fall Show and Sale held in November.The three-day show housed items from gluten-free baked goods to wooden art signs to paintings.The arts guild, a nonprofit organization, was established in 1965, and today has 101 members, said Pam Devereux, president. The group sponsors a fall and spring show, and a portion of the proceeds funds the guildís scholarship program. Meleia Fisher of the Classical Academy is the 2011 recipient of the scholarship; she plans to major in nursing at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn.Elaine Potter is a three-year guild member, who creates baby quilts, wood art, fleece blankets, ornaments and silk flowers.ìAs soon as one show ends, we prepare for another,î Potter said. ìBefore I joined the guild, I did it (crafts) for friends and family. Ornaments and pottery are a great hit here, and we have a new style of household wood furniture.”Diane Saign is also a three-year member, and the money she makes at the show buys material for her craft endeavors.ìSometimes, hobbies turn into a business. Some people do it to supplement their income,î Saign said. ìWhen there was a Black Forest country store, folks would make baked goods and sell them at the store.îMembersí items are sold in various locations throughout the county, including as far reaching as the Broadmoor Hotel. As members walked through the show, they said a larger venue is needed. They are considering purchasing a tent to expand space at the spring show.ìI am seeking businesses and such to sponsor the cost.î Saign said. ìThere is no other place that can provide us with more room. It needs to be in Black Forest. We are kind of stuck where we are.îThe spring show is May 3 through May 6 at the Black Forest Community Center. For more information, visit http://bfacg.org.
