From paintings, prints and photography to metalworks, jewelry and handmade clothing, a massive assortment of fine art was on display during the weekend for the 55th annual West Shore Art Fair.
Thousands of people attended the juried festival at Ludington’s Rotary Park, snaking their way through aisles of artists, food vendors, musicians and more during the two-day event.
The festival featured 90 jury-selected artists from throughout the region, the state and the country, and the vendors in attendance said they were happy to be there. The West Shore Art Fair is a draw, they said, because of its serene setting and the people it attracts.
Debi Dwyer of Debbie Dwyer Designs — based in Boone, North Carolina — said the art fair one of her favorite stops on a lengthy list of art fairs in the Great Lakes area.
“It’s the atmosphere,” Dwyer said. “I love Michigan people; I think they’re awesome, and Michigan shows are great in general. … I’d stay up here all summer if I could.”
Mike Kehr and his wife, Tracy, owners of Dragonfly Garage, have been coming to the art fair for 15 years, selling glass mosaics made at their business.
Kehr said the event has become a tradition for the couple because of the appreciation Ludington shows for the arts community.
“Ludington’s such a great town for art,” he said. “Not only the locals, but also the people that come in — it’s just good stuff.”
Kehr joked that he and his wife, who hail from White Cloud, are “local, without being too local,” adding that the couple plans to keep coming to the art fair, “as long as they’ll have us.”
“It’s such a great show,” he said. “We really appreciate them having us out here every year.”
Rosa Chavez and her