Arts and Crafts show at Richmond Beach Library, Friday, Saturday

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Olive. Photo courtesy Friends of Richmond Beach Library

Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8, Friends of Richmond Beach Library are presenting the 44th annual Arts and Crafts Show. This long standing community event raises funds to support special readings, performances, children's programs and activities, beautification and other activities that are not covered in the general library operating budget.

In the main section of the library, panels are set up to display paintings, photographs and collages. The meeting room houses a wide variety of craft items including jewelry, garden art, unframed art prints and originals, cards, textiles, glass objects and wood carvings. All items are handmade by the submitting crafter. A hallmark of the event is the raffle which always includes lovely bouquets of fresh flowers arranged by longtime supporter of the library, Eve Phillips.

On Friday evening, from 6 to 9 pm, artists and crafters are invited to attend the show and meet with their potential customers. Refreshments are served and music is provided by a sting quartet from Shorewood High School. The Art and Craft Show is held in conjunction with the Strawberry Festival on Saturday; hours are 10 am to 5 pm.

An exciting addition to this year's show is the temporary installation in the children's section of an enormous handcrafted octopus. Her name is Olive and she is a representation of the octopus of the same name who resides at the Seattle Aquarium. Olive was created by Shoreline artists Ann Blanch, Lynn Ahnen-Turnblom and Susan Williams. Also in the children's area, local artist Kat Hill is in the process of painting a wonderful mural. The mural depicts things that can be observed at Richmond Beach, both above and below the water line. This work in progress will hopefully be completed by the time the show opens on Friday night. Funds raised in previous years make both of these delightful additions to the library possible.