Local artists prepare to sell goods to support
By Karen Mann Journal Correspondent

Journal Photo/Caitlyn Kelleher

The Westminster Ashburnham Value Education Artisan Fair once again will feature a wide variety of artists.

In its fifth year, the annual fall fundraiser is slated to have over 25 local artisans and craftsmen. Some of the work includes, paintings, needlework, jewelry, wreaths and textiles.

Westminster resident and artist Ann Patsis will be selling different objects she has painted such as ornaments, greeting cards and tins. She also has a slate from a roof in Templeton from the 1850's that she painted.

Patsis describes her style as country, saying she paints a lot of fruit, houses, and landscapes, while her favorite paintings are winter scenes.

"I free hand everything, so it's always one of a kind," she said.

She loves to paint the tins. They were also the first objects she started painting on.

"I had nothing to paint on, I couldn't afford anything," said Patsis. "We had a bunch of tin cans on the farm, so I used those."

Patsis has a business, which she runs out of her house, called Glimpses of New England. She had to change the name from Ann's Tollhouse after too many inquiries as to whether or not she sold cookies.

She has been doing shows for about 20 years, and has participated in the W.A.V.E. Artisan Fair from its first year.

"I really enjoy doing that show," said Patsis. "I like the people there and it is a really well-run show."

Artist who is new to the show is Leslie Capone.

Although she has shopped at the fair before the local woman has never participated as a vendor. Her co-workers encouraged her to set up a booth at this year's fair, she said.

She will be showcasing a variety of rubberstamped items such as journals, photo albums, and greeting cards.

Capone has been rubberstamping for six years.

"I saw someone doing a demo at a fair and I became interested," said Capone.

She likes the vintage, distressed look. Her most popular selling items are cards and photo albums.

Capone will have many holiday themed items at the show, such as cards and greeting card holders.

The W.A.V.E Artisan Fair will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Westminster Elementary School.

Ann Patsis prepares to take her goods to the annual Westminster Ashburnham Value Education Artisan Fair, which will be held on Nov. 11 at Westminster Elementary School.