What could have ended up in the landfill is now working toward a land filled with one-of-a-kind clothing, rugs, jewelry, figurines, handbags and goodness-knows-what. Doubters could see convincing evidence Saturday at The Commons, where what was once junk sat as reincarnated gems of creativity.
A crowd estimated at more than 1,000 people looked over the merchandise and saw everything from ideal Christmas gifts to complementary home decor. That attendance figure seems especially considerable when one realizes that four other crafts shows, including two that regularly attract 400-plus people, were also held Saturday in Columbus.
“There are so many beautiful things here — and they’re all so unique,” said Columbus resident Judy Lahr, Christmas shopping for her grandsons and others. “And, tangentally, the recycling isn’t the main reason I come here, but I think it’s great that that works. And I love all the artistry.”
Welcome to the 14th Annual Deja Vu Art and Fine Craft Show, where 60 juried vendors clearly found their repurpose in life. The free gathering, the brainchild of Columbus artist Marilyn Brackney, celebrates America Recycles Day. It does so by highlighting a broad range of artists using scrap wood, fabric, metals, wristwatches, you name it, and turning those pieces into new jewelry boxes, jackets, coasters, candleholders, tables, whimsical figures and other items.
For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
