Check out the E-News Archives to meet the artists you may have missed.

Last 'Artist Profile' before the Festival but One More Newsletter to come!

Meet Beverly Lynn Polk - Weaver

I write these newsletters based on information supplied by the artists. In Beverly's case there's no way I can improve upon her own words -

"I have caned/woven furniture most of my life. The idea to weave with fabric and other items came during a period of recuperation from surgery - a time of imposed stillness with space to think up outlandish, crazy, laughable, innovative ideas. I had not then nor have I yet seen seats hand-woven with this technique. But why not? So began "Caning by Design".

It was a natural combination for me - the caning/weaving and working with fabric. My grandmother Moe Moe believed that "every woman should have something she can do with her hands to fall back on in hard times", and she convinced a neighbor to teach me caning. She also gave me my first little sewing box and taught me to make "something out of nothing" with muslin patterns and hand stitching.

My grandmother Nan Nan's attic was full of fabrics, old clothes and hats, and the aroma of old furniture which I loved to stroke even at a young age. These wonderful women gave me a foundation that they knew would carry my loved ones and me in the future, and I wish they were here today to see how that has happened.

In 2004, I began to look for opportunities for Caning by Design to support local artists and find unique products to weave. I am thankful to Freddie and Mike Angel, Red Dog & Company in London, for letting me order my first benches and for being so supportive. Mass production not the goal - my products are one-of-a-kind on a variety of furniture using fabrics, cane and other items - mine or that of someone else.

In 2006 I was juried into the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program. As business develops, I will employ those who find themselves, like me, at home, wheelchair-bound and needing to "fall back on" their skills.

There is more to discover. I invite others to be creative with me and to weave their story with mine - who knows where it will lead." - Beverly Lynn Polk

 

Thanks for reading, and come visit Beverly in Booth #131
Marcie Christensen
Event Coordinator / Imagineer

Visit the Newsletter Archives for More Artist Profiles

PPS - Help This Art Festival THRIVE!  

On Monday, June 22nd, at our Volunteer Orientation, we will draw the name of one lucky winner of $100 in FarmBucks (gift certificates good for art at next weekend's Festival).

This fundraiser continues year-round. You absolutely would not believe how much you can help us just by using a Kroger Gift Card.

When you order a Gift Card we'll put your name in the FarmBucks Drawing for 2010. AND every time your recharges total $500, we'll put your name in the drawing again! Start now and have your name entered many times before next June's drawing.

Many non-profit organizations and schools earn money through this program, and we've joined them!

Order your Gift Card today. Mail a check for $5 and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Francisco's Farm at the address below, and I'll send your card (preloaded with $5) and complete instructions. Each time you recharge (add money to) the card, Kroger will donate cash to the Festival.

Magnify your support by encouraging friends and family to order Gift Cards, too! There is no limit to the number of cards we can distribute or the amount of money we can earn.

Questions about how the Gift Cards work?
Click here for the All The Answers!