Arden Artisans annual garden party

Craig Bakay | Jul 26, 2017

Arden Artisans is Judith Versavel’s paintings and one-of-a-kind jewelry, Joanne Pickett’s pottery and Sarah Hale’s batik art. But for the past couple of years, they’ve added a group show and tea room at the Kennebec Centre. All together, it makes for a rather busy day in Arden with a lot more traffic than your typical Saturday.

“It’s a really good day,” said Versavel, whose Gallery on the Bay witnessed a steady stream of visitors through its doors. “This is just a fun day and it’s really crowded down at the community centre.”

Versavel is the relative newcomer to the Arden art scene, having been in business for 10 years. Pickett has been operating for 38 years and Hale for 39.

This year, Versavel had the rustic furniture of James Hanley line the walk to her studio.

“I really like meeting the people,” she said. “And reconnecting with others. “I like telling the stories behind the paintings and work that I’ve done.

“It’s a lot of work (getting ready for the day) but it’s something to work towards.”

Versavel has an extensive arts background including working for Harrowsmith Magazine and various other stints as art director but this is something she’s always wanted to do.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own gallery,” she said. “But the big thing for me is talking to the people.”

Pickett agreed that that inclusion of the show at the community centre has been a draw.

“It’s a busy day, but it was last year too,” she said. “There are more artists at the hall and the blueberry tea is a big draw as well.”

At 1:30 p.m., Pickett still hadn’t had breakfast.

“No, I haven’t had breakfast yet,” she said. “But somebody did bring me some blueberry cake from the hall.”