The Black Forest Arts and Crafts Guild has been promoting the arts and culinary endeavors since 1965, according to its website. Sally Burr, president of the guild, said, ìWe have the longest, continuous craft guild show west of the Mississippi.îThe guild held their 54th annual show May 3 ñ 6 at the Black Forest Community Club.The show is set up differently than other craft shows. Their philosophy is to support each other and work together to promote their crafts; therefore, everything is in sections. Booths at the show included art such as pottery, jewelry and wood items; a large culinary section, a new plant section and a jam room. Burr said more than 90 artists participated in the show. As a nonprofit organization, the guild gives back to the community through annual scholarships to graduating seniors who live in the Black Forest area. Also, many visitors brought non-perishable food items to fill a basket placed at the entrance of the craft fair. The food was collected for Black Forest Cares. Despite the wind, rain and occasional snow, attendance at the show on the opening day was good. Kathy Pavek, a member of the guild, said the guild holds two shows at the community club each year ñ- one in the fall on the first full weekend in November and one in the spring on the first full weekend in May. Pavek made goodies for the culinary section; she also makes towels and baby bibs with pacifiers attached. Burr said the guild is composed of people who have a passion for art and live within the boundaries of Black Forest.Elaine Potter has been a member since 2008 and was part of the setup committee. She makes clothes for dolls, along with making baby quilts, blankets, pillows, potholders, aprons and crayon roll ups for kids.Patricia Neely has been a member since 1989; however, she said she has fond memories of going to the show with her mom, starting in 1971. Neely makes jam, aprons, table runners, baby quilts, bibs; and paints on wood. ìI do what looks fun,î she said. Her daughter, Amanda Henegar, joined the guild last year.This was Henegarís second show. She makes quilts and baby blankets and also bakes goodies for the culinary section. Admission is free for both the spring and fall show; the fall show is Nov. 8 to Nov. 11 and features Thanksgiving and Christmas items.
