Homer Alaska - Arts -

Story last updated at 8:46 PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Monday's cruise ship visit inspires Artisans Showcase



BY MICHAEL ARMSTRONG
STAFF WRITER

When more than 1,200 visitors from the Holland America cruise ship Statendam call on Homer Monday, they'll get a chance to see the Homer arts and crafts many visitors see over the summer at events like the Farmers' Market or the KBBI Concert on the Lawn but in one stop in one day. That's the idea behind the Homer Artisans Showcase, with more than 30 vendors displaying everything from original photographs to leather and fur work in the parking lot of NOMAR at the corner of Main Street and Pioneer Avenue. The showcase is open during cruise ship hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The idea came about when lifelong Homer resident Genny Lyda heard about the Statendam visit and thought artists should have a chance to show their work. Lyda creates wild and wacky hats through her business, Nog Bonnets.

"Because you have a big fat idea, you can't abandon it," she said. "I ended up coordinating it."

Lyda's idea is similar to the original vision of the Homer Council on the Arts Street Fair, an annual arts and crafts fair first done on Heath Street and more recently in the Homer High School parking lot.

The street fair was canceled in 2007 and won't happen this year while HCOA continues re-examining and recreating the idea. One change HCOA wants to make is bringing the Street Fair back to the street a logistical challenge in itself.

"To make (the Homer Street Fair) a successful event with positive community economic impact, it will require area-wide participation with every business on the street cooperating and a huge volunteer corps," said Ron Martin, HCOA board president.

Although geared for the Statendam's nine-hour visit, Lyda said locals and other visitors are of course welcome to stop by the Artisans Showcase.

"We have people you don't typically see at the established venues," she said.

The showcase also benefits the next generation of artists. Proceeds exceeding administrative and other costs for booth rental go to the Homer Boys & Girls Club, Lyda said.

The NOMAR lot can hold up to 50 booths, Lyda said, so last-minute artists can still sign up by calling her at 299-0397.

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong@homernews.com.

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