VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

First Saturday Arts Market is in full fall get up this Saturday October 1 as the shopping season opens, artists from all walks of life appear at this trendy and popular arts market. The market is now open days again on the parking lot of Wind Water Gallery at 548 W. 19th Street and next door to the recently relocated Gen's Antiques. Three dozen white canopied tents featuring artists, food vendors, local musicians and even a Heights based winery can be found at this bustling location. The art market is open from 11am to 7pm in October.

Several artists attending First Saturday Arts Market for the first time are bringing a slightly different kind of art. Cement artist Stephanie Shroyer of La Grange, Texas is an accomplished mosaic artist, but that's not what she's bringing to the market. Shroyer says, "I'm a mosaic artist at heart, but have regressed to this art form using cement after I concreted my exercise ball and several other spheres to mosaic." After leaving the spheres to nature, Shroyer found a new art form! Her gently antiqued cement fountains and forms will be available at the market October 1.

Mixed media artist Marla Cook of Arlington, Texas has an unusual canvas for her creations; gourds. This is what she says about her materials: "I use beadwork, textiles, iron work, clay and collage to name a few. Of course I love nature, what artist doesn't, I actually use tree parts. Although, some of my work is functional and some non-functional. It's all pleasing to the eye and unique. What I consider non-functional are enjoyable interactive pieces with doors and windows. I've began working with gourds in 1999, and have experienced many evolutions with them from food-safe to wall art masks. I've been told many times that I have taken gourds to a different level." We can't wait to see them!

Many other art media at First Saturday Arts Market may challenge the definition. Leisha McCord hand dyes her silk thread to create delicate crochet earrings. The husband and wife team of "Geared Up" create Steampunk hats and leather costume accessories, integrating brass and vintage or recycled gadgets. Traditionalists will still find awesome photography, paintings, sculpture and jewelry, glass art and mobiles.

For October 1, Kenneth Scott is the featured musician in the afternoon and all the artists and vendors can be found online at http://firstsaturdayartsmarket.com. 

Located on the parking lot between Wind Water Gallery and Gen's Antiques at 548 W. 19th Street . Due to popular demand by the public and artists, the market will remain open until 7pm this month!