The rebranding of Gulfport’s Art Walks continues. The inaugural First Friday Art Walk kicked off October 2 with curated art and an overall theme for each iteration. What was formerly known as the Third Saturday Art Walk has also had a makeover: Third Saturday IndieFaire, an outdoor market featuring an array of art, jewelry, plants, crafts and pottery with live music, which debuts on October 17.
“The new IndieFaire is going to be a high-energy, family friendly event with an eclectic mix of art and unique handmade creations,” says Gulfport Merchant Chamber board member Margo Dalgetty. “We will also have street performers, music and entertainers adding to the eye candy. And for your tummies, the local restaurants will be making walkabout street fair food.”
The Gabber is highlighting a few people showcasing their work at IndieFaire to provide a sneak peek of their work and their creative processes.
Casey Green
Casey Green, of Casey Green Designs, is a Gulfport artist who creates unique micro-macrame jewelry using crystals, gemstones and fossils.
“Macrame is a variety of fiber arts and is the practice of tying knots with cord. I find inspiration through nature and geometry,” says Green. “All of my pieces are free form. I do not follow any patterns.”
Green also has a booth at the weekly Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market. For more information about his work, go to Caseygreendesigns.com or find him on Instagram @vibrationvacation.
Shirley Baldwin
“My message to anyone is that you are never too old to become an artist. I’m 69 years old and, until the age of 62, I never pursued creating art,” says Shirley Baldwin.
After moving to Gulfport nearly four years ago, she discovered epoxy resin art, a two-component system consisting of resin and hardener. By mixing the two, a chemical reaction takes place so that the liquid resin gradually hardens to a solid plastic.
“Resin seems to have a mind of its own, so no two pieces are alike. Once the resin and hardener are mixed together, you have about an hour to complete the initial phase of the piece,” says Baldwin. “I paint on wooden canvases that have been primed with two or three coats of gesso and paint. Having a design plan is essential before mixing the resin. Each layer takes 24 hours to cure, and I frequently use three to four layers to add depth.”
Baldwin’s work is on display at Zaiya’s ArtiZen Market and Mermaid Mercantile. Find more details on Facebook.
Jan Bennett
Jan Bennett’s love for the Caribbean led her to begin her art expression through jewelry by bezeling sea glass she gathered on the beaches of St. Croix. After 20 years in the Virgin Islands, she and her husband bought a tiny home in Gulfport.
“As life experiences both challenge and inspire my spirit, I continue to focus my designs on life’s ever-changing tides,” says Bennett. “I would describe my tokens and talismans by saying say that I have melted precious metals with emotions and a bit of whimsy to create my jewelry. I personally design my pieces beginning with a simple message or image that I want to share.”
Bennett begins with raw materials, using sterling sheet and silver wire, mixed media, 14 karat gold accents and whatever else seems to make the piece “happen.”
“I create a few of my designs by carving wax and using wax casting. Nearly every piece that I make has been designed and created to be worn as a token of personal energies, inspirations and experiences which have shaped our lives.”
To see more of Baldwin’s work go to sunlyonstudio.com or fb.com/sunlyonstudio.
