The Rowdy Indie Craft Fair was my first craft show, ever. It’s not that I don’t enjoy handmade products or buying local, I just haven’t had the opportunity to attend one. As a transplant from Pittsburgh who is just getting to know the Akron area, the local craft scene isn’t familiar to me. I was excited to head out to Studio 526 this past Sunday 8/14 to experience something new.
Check out this exclusive Cool Cleveland video for an inside look at the Rowdy Indie Craft Fair. You’ll meet some of the artists, see their handcrafted masterpieces and find a dozen reasons to add this brand new Akron craft show to your calendar for next year.
Studio 526 was filled with so many unique things. Walking into the studio, it was hard to choose what to look at. Just a few steps from the doorway was the sea of tables packed with a variety of intriguing, enticing treasures. The first room had a homey, handcrafted feel, while the second room which housed the vintage and handcrafted clothing had a crisp, clean modern feel. Many of the products at the Rowdy Indie Craft Fair were up-cycled transformations of everyday objects that probably would have ended up in the trash if it wasn’t for these creative locals. I can’t begin to share all of the beautiful things I wanted to take home with me, but some of the items included jewelry, children’s books, toys, cards, bath salts, vintage clothing and even baked goods. It was also exciting to see the Rubber City Roller Girls support the local, handmade community. They had a booth featuring their own handmade crafts and information about their team right at the entrance to Studio 526.
One of my favorite items was made by Elizabeth Khoury of Elizabeth Khoury Designs. I am a big fan of incorporating feathers into fashion, and Khoury’s feathered necklaces, rings and earrings were at the top of my list. I also enjoyed the recycled glass jewelry created by Jennifer Worden of Ossuaryarts, and much, much more. As I walked around, I had the opportunity to meet and chat with a number of the artists. In the above video, you’ll see my interviews with Brittany Charek — organizer of the fair and owner of HoldenAllan, Emily Lindberg of zween, Kristi Linville of All That Glitters by KML, Phil from Northcoast Vintage and Elizabeth Khoury from Elizabeth Khoury Designs. You’ll also see products from Toony Jewelry featured in the video.
If the jam-packed parking lot and the lively atmosphere inside was any indication, the first Rowdy Indie Craft Fair was a huge success. Though regretfully I wasn’t able to stay and hear the live music in the evening, I definitely enjoyed my experience, and can recommend this show highly. I’m glad it was my first craft show experience, and I can’t help but wonder what other unique items I might find by buying local. I look forward to attending more local craft fairs in the future, especially next year’s Rowdy Indie Craft Fair.
“Like” the Rowdy Indie Craft Fair Fan Page on Facebook and start getting ready for next year’s fair, or check out event organizer Brittany Charek’s website, HoldenAllan.
Jayna Thomas is a Junior at the University of Akron, majoring in Public Relations and Business & Organizational Communication. This is her first article for Cool Cleveland, written as part of a partnership between Cool Cleveland and her Public Relations Writing course, offered at U of A. Jayna is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and dreams of one day traveling the world.