How it all began...

Living in Williamsburg has been great in so many ways- but since leaving Seattle in 2001- I've felt a bit starved(to say the least) for art, music, food & entertainment samplings so available in the Pacific Northwest,as in most big cities, at Street fairs and festivals of all types throughout the year! Even with the Seattle drizzle-spring , summer & fall festivals ABOUND in the area- at least one within short driving distance each weekend.There was the Sunday Market in a neighborhood called Fremont- that would move inside a refurbished warehouse for shelter from the elements during the winter months. Each neghborhood has at least one street fair throughout the year, complete with it's own vendors, restaurants/food vendors that set up tents to sell their tasty wares, artisans of all varieties, music of all types, jugglers, other street performers(some mime, others dance or perform a magic show...) All of these festivals are very kid- friendly- & have several craft areas for children. Certainly there are Many of such events around Virginia- but a very minimal amount of such in Williamsburg! The fact that we have 4 boys, aged 2-10, hasn't made my quest for art any easier the last few years! How many galleries or concert venues are set up to accomodate children? :) But I really enjoy the arts, and love to expose my boys to whatever music,art, culture I can, when I can! I'd been making mental notes for several years on all the talented folks I'd been meeting...wishing there was a smaller, less formal -kid friendly event(or several) in town where artisans could show(&sell) their wares,musicans could play their music, kid's could run & play & create some art of their own if they wanted, some food could be enjoyed, neighbors & new friends could be met in a friendly setting. I decided that our neighborhood clubhouse would be a good place to start such an event. The 1st First Colony Art Bazaar took place on Sat March 15th between 10-4. It was well attended, clubhouse space was a bit too tight(I wanted everyone participating to be able to be inside & under cover...) but it was a lovely event in spite of that! Wonderful artists & vendors displayed their art, books,wares... some money was raised for charities(Relay for Life & Operation Smile) and interest was generated for a similar summer event. The Summmer Art Bazaar was planned for Saturday June 28th from 9-3. It was a hot day - but several brave artisans & vendors set up outside the clubhouse under shade canopies, great support was shown for all artisans from the community, neighborhood and neighborhood swim team! We placed an ad the Wed B4 the event in our local paper, they'd given us a nice location in the paper, and had rated us one of the Top 10 things to do that weekend in Williamsburg!A good amount of Money was raised to go toward the purchase of a new sturdy, attractive shade structure for our neighborhood pool-via raffle baskets, and food sales! This event featured some wonderful new artisans, and another neighborhood author, who had committed to supporting the event even though his wedding was taking place the following day -Sunday June 29th, 2008! A majority of these same artisans and many more will be at the Holiday Art Bazaar on Saturday, November 1st from 10am-3pm. Most of the participants will be outside this time, as some of our most seasoned artisans have asked to have more space to do their full Holiday displays inside the clubhouse! We look forward to a lovely fall day, great browsing & shopping for everyone who comes to sample these amazing talents in Williamsburg! Feel free to shop with children- there's plenty for them to do, while you peruse the possibilities of completing your holiday shopping lists! SHOW IS FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

That evening there's music planned - a voice to delight all ears! ME & JO - a varied, dynamic acoustic duo will play at the clubhouse(outside -weather permitting). You can listen to sample songs at meandjo.net.Tickets are $5 for adults & children 16 & older. Our goal is to meet band cost- any excess after that go to the First Colony's Neighborhood's ongoing Park/Pool Revitalizing fund! We're happy to share this wonderful duo with the families of surrounding neighborhoods, and any folks in the community looking for great music in an informal, neighborhood setting! Bring potluck item or your own picnic dinner, chairs, or blanket.

Hopefully artists will be able to post links to their websites, some photos of their work, bios, etc...so you can pass the news about this great gathering of artisans to your friends in the area!