Aptitude Creative Arts Studios are open to Unglued Craft Fest shoppers this weekend – InForum

FARGO – The 12th annual Unglued Craft Fest is ready to bedazzle shoppers this Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12, at West Acres, and Aptitude Creative Arts Studios artists are totally there for it.

“There’s so much going on for the entire craft fest,” says Aptitude Studio Manager Christina Johnson. “We’re extremely excited to have so many of our artists representing themselves at festival booths and in their Aptitude studios, which are open to all and always free to visit.”

Aptitude artists in residence who will have their studios open for craft fest shoppers include Johnson, Tim Lamey, Isaiah Johns, Nicole Nistler, Steph Norton, Bridget Solsaa, Tara Fermoyle and Jenny Junker.

In addition, Aptitude is hosting several guest artists this weekend, including Ashley Kunz, Mark Elton, Nancy Baier, KJ Makes and Eric Johnson.

Aptitude Creative Arts Studios, located to the right of the Best Buy entrance inside West Acres, is an artist residency project sponsored by The Arts Partnership, and quite possibly one of the most dazzling of hidden gems in our community.

Over a dozen newer and established artists have on-site studios there where they collaborate, create and commune. The space, which looks and feels like a whimsical block inside “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” is designed for mall shoppers to browse and buy products and artworks from the artists. There’s even a room designed to accommodate full-sized ceramic kilns.

Artist statement: I’m a big fan of Unglued! From having my work in their shop to participating in the Craft Fest and other events over the years I love love the Unglued team, all the awesome makers and devoted fans that make this crazy, crafty time of year the most fun!

I’ve been a part of Aptitude from the very beginning. It’s great to have a space to work and to be part of an artistic community. I have a few new things in the works that will be available during Unglued Craft Fest, lots of fun vases for spring flowers, a few fan-favorite ceramic mugs and much more! Stop by to grab something unique for a friend or yourself, try one of the make-and-take crafts, watch a demo or just come to chat about art!

Artist statement: I enjoy being part of Aptitude Creative Studios because it fosters a community of creative individuals working in a variety of mediums and techniques. While the studios are primarily working spaces, being in the mall there is the added bonus of being able to have the studios open to the general public on a regular basis. These open studios days, especially during special events like the Unglued Craft Festival, provide great opportunities for meeting and interacting with individuals interested in handmade and handcrafted goods.

Artist statement: Ashley (from Unglued) has put forth a tremendous effort to build a space for local artists and makers to sell their work. She has done this through both her brick-and-mortar downtown and the craft fest. As a maker, I would not be where I am today without the support of Ashley and the local Fargo-Moorhead community.

Aptitude has given me a space dedicated to art making. Before I had my space at Aptitude, my work was overtaking my dining room and basement! Now I have a space, but more importantly I have a community of artists that I can share ideas with and have ultimately become my friends! I also love it when we are open to the public and how surprised people are to see that there are working artist studios at the mall!

Artist statement: I love Unglued, because it’s a creative place for the community to support local artists in the region. Aptitude Creative Arts Studios is a comfortable community space where artists of all skill sets can develop their work while promoting themselves and engaging with the public. Stop by my studio, say howdy and enjoy a colorful rainbow of tufted goodness!

Unglued Craft Fest runs 4-pm Friday, March 11, and 10 am to 6 pm Saturday, March 12. Many events are free and open to all ages, but be sure to check Unglued’s website for events and activities that have fees.

A full event schedule is available at www.ungluedmarket.com.

Stop by Aptitude Creative Arts Studios for art demos, take-home projects and pieces for sale during Unglued Craft Fest. Aptitude is located just to the right of the Best Buy entrance in West Acres.

Guest artist Nancy Baier will be doing encaustic wax painting demonstrations both days off and on during the festival. Here are more Aptitude artist demos scheduled on Saturday during the event.

• 11:30 am: Tufting demo in-studio with Bridget Solsaa
• 1 pm: Drop-in screenprinting with Yellow Chair Press (all ages)

This article is part of a content partnership with The Arts Partnership, a nonprofit organization cultivating the arts in Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. For more information, visit

www.theartspartnership.net

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