This past weekend we went to a Paradise City art show/sale.  I’ve been to numerous arts and crafts shows and have exhibited in a few but have nearly always been disappointed because they were way more crafts than arts — booth after booth of bead jewelry with only a smattering of photographers or painters.  This show was clearly a cut above.

My initial skepticism was fueled by the admission fee.  Really?  Paying $13 to shop?  That fee, though still annoying, was fairly quickly relegated to the back of my mind by the quality and variety of the offerings.  Hand woven jackets, silk embroidery art, some very nice oil and pastel work, but the delightful surprise was the woodworking.  I hesitate to use that term because it can leave you with images of knick-knack boxes or simple dressers.  Nothing simple about these wares: precision work, marquetry and other inlay, gorgeous woods and finishes and elegant designs.

A pleasant but not free visit (especially if you lay down the plastic for something) but definitely enjoyed.