Bringing back art Above, left; The JAM Holiday Art & Craft Fair returned to Jamestown. Above, right; A few of the artists that were featured at this year’s JAM Holiday Art & Craft Fair. Bottom, left; Matt Graziano explains the art of his crystals to a prospective customer. Middle, left; George Ridgik shows off his metalwork art at the JAM Holiday Art & Craft Fair.[/caption]

The JAM Holiday Art & Craft Fair returned to the town of Jamestown on December 11, 2021, to the relief and joy of the artists and residents that were in attendance. JAM, Jamestown Area Artists & Musicians, organized this event that included over twenty different artists. JAM is a non-profit group created over twenty years ago to celebrate and promote the arts in the community. Kathryn White, one of the JAM organizers of this year’s event, was in a festive mood as she talked about what it meant to have the gathering take place after having to cancel last year’s event.

“I’m so happy that this event is back and that we were able to help bring our community together in this way through art, creativity and love, this holiday season. This JAM sponsored event has been around for 20 years, and I think not being able to have it last year was difficult for artists and the community.”

White explained further the effort put forth to make this year’s event happen. “Many folks helped with the planning that went into it this year and made it what it was, there is no way this event would have been what it was without that joint effort from JAM members and the community and the bricks that had been laid for this event before now. I’m thrilled that we were able to bring new local artists into the fold and keep this tradition going with some new and old faces and I hope it brings new interest and involvement for future events too.”

George Ridgik is a local artist who has brought some of his latest pieces to the fair. “They’re repurposed metals from the metal shop at Gjertson Metals” he explained. “My original inspiration came from going down to the Navajo Nation and doing volunteer work down there.” Several pieces, he said, were inspired by the patterns found in Navajo artwork. Ridgik also plans to take the proceeds and invest them in his trips to the Navajo Nation for infrastructure development. In fact, many of the artists had charities, or non- profits, that a portion of their sales would help to support.

Marcia Muskrat of Muskrat Mud, a local pottery artist, brought some of her creations to sell at the fair. They were a beautiful form of slab pottery with patterns formed with lace. Marcia Muskrat was with her partner, Maria Hullett, helping her to set up the booth. “She’s very community oriented,” said Hullett, “we come down here all the time for the bands and stuff.” Muskrat Mud represented some of the newer entries in this year’s fair.

The ability to have this community event is directly affected by the willingness of the attendees to upholding courtesy to others, in relation to the current health crisis. The visitors to the JAM Holiday Art & Craft Fair maintained the requested adherence to mask mandates.

“I was really pleased with how this event was attended this year, it seemed like many from the community and beyond came to share in the festivities,” said White, “I was also really happy with how respectful everyone was by wearing masks and helping to keep everyone safe during this time.”