Saint Andrew's
Christmas
Arts & Crafts
Festival
History
In the early 70's, artist in the Stillwater area did not have a
place to display and sell their creations. As Mildred Carroll,
watercolorist and one of the creators of the show explained the sale began so
the artists could offer their artworks for sale. The "sale" was not a
money making affair, but it did inform people of the location of Saint Andrew's
Episcopal Church. The Spring and December shows gave the Stillwater
community the opportunity to purchase handmade items for the gift giving
seasons. It is believed to be the first Arts & Crafts Show
in the Stillwater area.
At the early shows, customers had the opportunity to see the
beautiful water colors of Mildred Carroll and her husband, Art's, wonderful
pottery. Other artists who participated in the shows included Alex Ross
with his magnificent turned wood creations and woven baskets, John and Frances
Humphrey with their stone creations, and Conlee Jewett with her jewelry she
created from different metals. Father Bill Powell would always have his
vegetables and flowering plants displayed in the Spring Sales. Other
artists who have participated in the Saint Andrew's Shows throughout the years
have included Peggy Gibbs, Jack Allred, John Weibelt, Tom and Velma Sanders.
The show grew to fill all three floors of the educational wing,
the Parish Hall, and overflowed into the sidewalks and garden areas of Saint
Andrew's. Many times the same artists would return to set up at the same
location at the shows year after year at Saint Andrew's. This brought many
of the customers back each season to see the artists new creations and to add to
their collections.
The year 2004 brought a new tradition to the Saint Andrew's Arts
& Crafts Shows. Saint Andrew's consolidated the Spring and Christmas Shows
into one Christmas Festival held on the first Saturday of December each year.
Expanding the Arts & Crafts Fair into a Festival allowed Saint Andrew's to
incorporate many new activities and fun for everyone. The Christmas Arts &
Crafts Festival provides a very festive atmosphere throughout the day with
music, caroling and many fun activities.
If you have not been to one of Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church's
Annual Arts & Crafts Festivals, make sure to attend the next Christmas Festivals
on Campus Corner in Stillwater, Oklahoma. You will be glad you did.
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Saint Andrew's Episcopal
Church
