Peridia offers arts and crafts at annual sale
PERIDIA — many of the creations that will be offered for sale at the 13th annual Peridia Fine Arts and Crafts Extravaganza spring from the creative minds of Peridia residents, who work year ’round to get ready for the fest.
“but we also pull a ton from Bradenton and Sarasota,” said Ileen Davis, chair of the fest, which is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Peridia Country Club, 4950 Peridia Blvd.
“It’s amazing how many talented people live in the local area,” Davis said.
Those talents, reflected in everything from acrylic and oil paintings to three-dimensional art, handmade soaps, jewelry, pottery, baked goods and more, will be showcased under 18 tents outside the country club, and on 35 tables inside.
Georgia Semach and her daughter, Callie, will sell their homemade soap, which started out as something fun to do.
Callie Semach said she has sensitive skin, and got interested in homemade soap when she began seeing it sold on websites. “when I saw some you could make yourself, I thought I would give it a try.”
“It seemed like a fun thing to do,” Georgia Semach said.
And with that, the women have crafted a number of soap products that the local supermarket probably wouldn’t have.
Among them, Castile soap, made of 100 percent olive oil, reputed to be gentle enough for a newborn and hydrating for older skin.
They also offer beer soap, garden soap, anise soap and more.
Among the hand-sewn items are political aprons for the kitchen made by Christine Tribou and Kathy Hart.
There’s a mostly red apron made for Republicans, and a mostly blue apron for Democrats.
Why? because it’s the political season, they say.
Charmaine Kirkpatrick makes jewelry, most of it from sterling silver, into which she incorporates gemstones.
She can personalize it for mothers and grandmothers.
Ileen Davis sews fabric items, including tot and gift bags.
“I am trying to go green,” she said of the growing trend to recycle and reuse items.
The public is invited. Admission is free.
Shoppers will have a chance to get some of their gift buying done early and be entertained, too.
“we all have a lot of fun doing this. we enjoy seeing each other’s arts and crafts,” Kirkpatrick said.
This year, a portion of the proceeds will go to Paws for Patriots, a program of Southeastern Guide Dogs to assist wounded warriors blinded in combat.
Also taking part in the event will be Lions Club members who will be collecting used eyeglasses and hearing aids. Crime Watchers will participate, too, and will be collecting unused or outdated pharmaceuticals.
Peridia’s Terrace on the Green will have a barbecue buffet lunch that festivalgoers can purchase.
James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee editor, can be contacted at 941-745-7021.
Peridia offers arts and crafts at annual sale
