The 18th annual Clay, Glass & Metal Show takes over Washington Avenue in Royal Oak this weekend with 125 artists and 40,000 patrons expected to visit downtown for this one-of-a-kind art festival.
Unlike other art shows, this one is unique because it is unified under a central theme, according to Jennifer Clark, director of events for the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event: “Fire is used to manipulate all the art and to make them the creations they are supposed to become.”
Besides the quality artwork, there will be many interactive elements allowing visitors to make their own art, watch how art is made and participate in a community art project. There will also be lots of food from downtown restaurants and specialty food vendors, such as Ferndale’s Treat Dreams ice cream truck and Motor City Frank’s old-fashioned hot dog cart.
The two-day art fair continues to evolve each year. Here are five new things to experience this year:
Each year brings new artists and their distinctive types of art to the Clay, Glass & Metal show, according to Mark Loeb, who manages the participating artists. About half of the 125 artists will be new this year, he said, but many favorites are returning, including 17 artists who have been doing the show for more than 12 years and many local artists, such as Royal Oak’s Gretchen Kramp and Jan Bostwick.
With all those artists, visitors can expect a vast variety of types of art, from glass lamps to clay tiles and metal jewelry.
“The cool thing about only using clay, glass and metal is that people are able to compare a huge diversity of artwork made from those mediums in one place,” Loeb said. “Many people question how much can be made from those elements and they come out and realize that there is so much that can be done with it.”
Another feature that makes this event unique is that all those artists must be juried in. “Not every artist who wants to participate can,” the chamber's Clark said. “Only those who have been found worthy through the approval process are allowed in.”
That draws quality vendors and visitors from all over the country who are looking for pieces by those talented artists, she said. So shoppers can expect art priced from $20-$20,000.
“There really is something for everyone,” Clark said. “From the discerning collector to families looking for pieces for their living room and even children who can make their own artwork.”
Last year, glass blowing demonstrations returned to the Clay, Glass & Metal Show and this year the chamber decided to add clay and metal work demonstrations for patrons to enjoy.
“The glass blower was one of the most popular areas last year,” Clark said. “I think that’s because it adds an extra element of fun to the event with bringing in the excitement of fire.”
Loeb said 12 artists will be giving demonstrations this weekend, including how to make a bead out of glass and how to make clay tiles.
“Our theory is that the demonstrations allow people to learn about all the work that goes into making the art, and also it will encourage them to buy it for themselves,” Clark said.
Another great way attendees can gain an appreciation for the art creation process is to do it themselves. People of all ages can make their own glass beads, throw a pot or sign up for classes at the Creative Arts Studio located on Fifth and Washington.
Creative Arts Studios will be offering new classes this year in Raku for people to participate in and again offering classes on how to make pots using a wheel.
“It’s always a fun event with good crowds and good artists that we like being a part of,” owner David Fredenberg said. Raku demonstrations will cost around $20 and wheel lessons will be $15 for a half hour.
The Creative Arts Studio is always a great destination for children because they have the opportunity to paint ceramic pieces (mostly $9-$14), make wax hands ($7) and use a squirt gun to “squirt a shirt” ($10).
This will be the third year that the Clay, Glass & Metal Show attendees are able to be a part of the Community Mosaic Project by designing pieces for the next two panel installments to the mosaic going on the walls of the Royal Oak Public Library. People can be a part of the community effort by creating their pieces made from the broken shards of art the artists supply. Last week, the two panels from last year’s show were placed in the Children’s Area of the library.
“The goal is to go all the way from one side of the library to the other will the mosaic panels,” explained Clark.
Clark said an art coordinator will be on site at Sixth and Washington this year to help guide parents and adults in making their designs, which is new this year. Also new is the role of “guest grouter,” which is a position open to both adults and kids to help the artists attach the pieces to the panels.
“In the past this involved grouting process, which has been done by just the artists on a volunteer basis,” Clark said. “Now we are giving anyone who wants to a chance to help out.”
The Detroit School of Rock and Pop is returning to the Clay, Glass & Metal Show this year, so be sure to visit their stage at Fourth and Washington. Unlike the musical varieties the musicians performed last year, this year expect to hear only acoustic songs.
“We want to better reflect the tone and culture of the show,” explained Clark. “This is not a carnival so we don’t want really loud music and large amplifiers, and we want it to appeal to a more general audience.”
She said you could expect a lot of guitars, and a folksy tone that will fit with the culture of Royal Oak.
“With all the planning we do for the event, we want to make sure it represents the uniqueness and eclectic style that the city is known for,” said Clark.
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