Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival wraps up another successful year

Heather Sevigny
·3 min read

CAMBRIDGE − The Guernsey County art community came out in full force for the 53rd annual Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival over the weekend. The large open spaces of Cambridge City Park were dotted with pop-up tents, strolling musicians, and visitors enjoying the three-day celebration of art and artisans from across the country.

Kids and adults alike packed the performing arts tent to watch magical puppet shows by Madcap Puppets or hear a jazz performance by the George DeLancey Jazz group or take in a little bluegrass with Open Highway Bluegrass. As the humidity and winds picked up on Saturday, the tent, along with the large pavilion provided a cool spot for attendees to rest after meandering through the various artists' booths and tents.

One of the busiest parts of the festival was the Marketplace Tent. Locally packaged-food vendors found themselves swamped with customers throughout the weekend. Cambridge's own Crackpot Coffee, Nom Nom Nom, who specializes in treats for your four-legged friends, and Candy's Gourmet Fudge were just some of the vendors.

Amy Dru Beard displays some of her handcrafted necklaces at the Salt Fork Arts and Craft Festival at Cambridge City Park. She began making the pieces during COVID and now travels to festivals throughout the state selling her art.
Amy Dru Beard displays some of her handcrafted necklaces at the Salt Fork Arts and Craft Festival at Cambridge City Park. She began making the pieces during COVID and now travels to festivals throughout the state selling her art.

The Student Art Tent was packed with artwork submitted by local schools and homeschoolers. Caldwell sent nearly 300 pieces for display. The awards ceremony was standing room only on Sunday morning as winners were announced.

Two scholarships were awarded to student artists. Catherine Taylor and Rachel Fraunfelter, both of Zanesville, were the 2023 recipients. The College Award went to Averey Roof of Muskingum University.

The People's Choice Award, an award given to one vendor at the festival and voted on by the public, went to Wayne Dyer for his Wood Toy piece. Second place went to Rachel Shepard-Harris, third to Paul Courtright and the fourth place People's Choice award went to Bradford Pollack.

Shoppers peruse various goodies from vendors in the Marketplace Tent. Salsa, jams and jellies, and Shirley Goodpastor's famous baklava were all available to purchase.
Shoppers peruse various goodies from vendors in the Marketplace Tent. Salsa, jams and jellies, and Shirley Goodpastor's famous baklava were all available to purchase.

Student Art Tent Awards

Grades K-2

  • First place - Shane Wise, second place - Grace Zorga, third place - Josie Goddard

  • Honorable Mentions: Avelia Glidden, Bexley Hargreaves, Korbin Wells

Grades 3-5

  • First place - Lynden Myers, second place - Maleah Trisler, third place - Olivia Townsend

  • Honorable Mentions: Molly Hill, Searcy Postlewait, Charlie Anker, Jessamy Antill, Dane Bettinger, Layori Lloyd, Kloie Milton, Emilia Cravenor

The award winners for the Student Art Tent. Numerous awards were handed out, including two scholarships and cash prizes.
The award winners for the Student Art Tent. Numerous awards were handed out, including two scholarships and cash prizes.

Grades 6-8

  • First place - Madalynn Fisher, second place - Everett Corner, third place - Elaine Hodge

  • Honorable Mentions: Gracie Edwards, Chelsea Wells, Conor Wells, Kyleah McDaniel, Aeva Ross

Grades 9-12

  • First place - Alivia Lake, second place - Kendyl Trott, third place - Rachel Fraunfelter

  • Honorable Mentions: Brooklyn Lawson, Lillian Baker, Hayley Mitchell, Bo German, Mattea McDaniel

Special Student Art Awards

  • Sienna Woods (middle school) - Liam Riegle, Licking Heights

  • Hometown Pride (middle school) - Ginger Bragg, East Muskingum Middle School

  • Ceramics (middle school) - Faith Tice, Cambridge Middle School

  • Digital Art - Mady Webster, John Glenn High School

  • Photography - Brenna Bridwell, John Glenn High School

  • Sienne Woods (high school) - Emily Kissinger, Caldwell High School

  • Hometown Pride (high school) - Riley Weckbacker, Shenandoah

  • Ceramics (high school) - Catherine Taylor, Zanesville High School

  • Spirit In Nature - Marabelle Thornberg, Meadowbrook High School

  • Kathy Jeanna Milligan Award - Mattea McDaniel, John Glenn High School

Carrie Turner begins another masterpiece painting at the Salt Fork Arts and Crafts festival. Turner is a well-known, Zanesville-based artist, who is currently showing at the Bunko Jess Gallery.
Carrie Turner begins another masterpiece painting at the Salt Fork Arts and Crafts festival. Turner is a well-known, Zanesville-based artist, who is currently showing at the Bunko Jess Gallery.

Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival 2023 Awards

Name of the award, winning artists name, winning artists specialty

  • Daniel Eikenberry Award, Kerry Cumpstone, photography

  • George Eikenberry Award, Brian Niedermier, wood

  • Alice Eikenberry Award, Bev Hauenstein, fiber art

  • Jewelry award, Cheryl Brooks, jewelry

  • W. B. Green Award, Kerry Cumpstone, photography

  • Robert W. Amos Founders Award, Carol Bridwell, fiber art, wood

  • Parnell and Associates Award, Barb Cyphert, yard art

  • Bill Sailing Memorial Award, Wayne Dyer, wooden toys

  • Dick McCoy Memorial Award, Terry Hadley, wood

  • Jack Cartner Memorial Award, Martha Rice, watercolor

  • Something of Interest to a Child Award, Mike Altman, mixed media

  • Holly Philips Creativity Award, Mark Mowen, leather

  • Virginia Price Award for Excellence in Creativity and Craftsmanship Award, Rachel Shepard, ceramics

  • Joyful Expression Award, Lisa McGinty

  • The Jude Award, Michael Warren, chainsaw art

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Artists recognized with numerous awards at Salt Fork Arts festival