Artist Date #30: Arts in the Gardens

I've found my place in the country

This past weekend was a busy one - in addition to the Mini Midway Writing Retreat for the 100 Day Writing Challenge group, a friend and I went to Sonnenberg, an estate with extensive gardens near Canandaigua Lake. We chose this particular weekend because there was an arts festival, and we left with plenty more still to cover, and a vow to come back soon and continue exploring.

Of course, Artist Dates are meant to be solo excursions, but I don’t see anything wrong with occasionally doing it with a friend. One person is nice to share the experience with, without taking away from the idea of “filling the creative well.”

Sonnenberg is, according to its website, “a New York State Historic Park where a late nineteenth century Victorian Estate with a Queen Anne-style mansion and nine formal gardens of the world is being preserved.” In addition to the mansion and gardens, there is a wine cellar, cafe, and gift shop. So, it could easily be a half-day excursion on its own (or full day, if you linger to write or sketch).

Since it was the “Arts in the Gardens” festival though, white tents dotted the grounds, displaying all kinds of arts and crafts. Some were part of the juried show, and had a higher standard of artistic merit. My friend and I both love wandering such places, seeing what’s on offer, and chatting with the artists.

In addition to the usual fare of soaps, lotions, jewelry, candles, pottery, etc., there were some truly amazing works of art. One woman sold drawings made up of words written in the tiniest script imaginable. I mean, the entire thing consisted of the quote, repeated as often as necessary to complete the picture. You needed a magnifying glass to really see the words themselves.

Another man made objects with wood inlay, using all different kinds and colors of wood, as well as mother-of-pearl, to create tables, mirrors, and other furniture with pictures of animals, flowers, birds, etc. His “signature” is a tiny ladybug somewhere in the piece. His works cost $1000 and up, and were worth every penny, I’m sure. I just wish I could afford one!

One fiber artist created beautiful hooked wool rugs and hangings with rich colors and beautiful patterns. One favorite was a hanging that looked like an owl peering out of a knot in a tree. Others had twining vines and bright red flowers. Just stunning.

I made it nearly to the end before succumbing to the lure of a purchase: A tent that sold indigo-patterned bags and clothing, where I bought a small cross-body bag, just enough to hold phone, keys, and a card or two (in summer, especially, I hate hauling around a big bag). A little later I came across a wood-turner, where I purchased a beautifully-turned maple French rolling pin, something I’ve wanted for a while.

The mansion? The gardens? Well, we explored the mansion, with its Victorian-era furnishings, and balconies overlooking the gardens. Sitting on the porch, I could almost imagine myself the mistress of this vast estate - as long as I had plenty of servants to do the cooking, cleaning, and gardening!

We also wandered through a few of the gardens - the formal Italian garden, the old conservatory, the charming, half-hidden “blue and white” garden with its fountain of nymphs(?)… but we missed so many. In our defense, it was near 90 degrees and very humid, and we were focused on the arts part of the day. Live music played here and there, and it was pleasant just to stroll the grounds.

As always, I was inspired by all the arts and crafts on display, and the stories of how people got into what they made - how they started, what inspires them, how it’s evolved. And the setting was incredible. As I mentioned, a place I definitely want to return to and explore further. Having another person along deepened the experience, I think, because she pointed out things I might have missed on my own. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by such displays, and miss details and smaller pieces that have their own beauty.

I love art fairs for the triumph of creativity they represent. People sharing their unique skills and passions, creating because that is what is in their heart to do. A triumph of love over all the voices that tell us not to bother, that no one will care or appreciate our work (or might actively disparage it). The creators have staked their claim to their right to create, and have often spent years learning their art or craft. No matter what we make, it’s a wonderful reminder to claim our own creativity and work on what brings us joy.

(Image of the Blue & White Garden, © Sonnenberg State Historic Park)