Last weekend, Hudson’s General Store in Clarksville took patrons back into the colonial era, with presentations and masterpieces from talented artisans of traditional skills for their Folk Art Celebration. An impressive lineup of paintings, woodworking, crafts and collectibles was assembled outside the doors of the store for one of several displays put on by the family-owned business each year.
“It’s like they say,” said Melody Hudson, who owns and operates the store with husband Richard and their family, “Birds of a feather…”
The artisans featured in the folk-art celebration all contribute their trade to the general store’s inventory, many items of which also adorn Melody’s and Richard’s own home.
Incredible talent came together last Saturday, despite sweltering temperatures, displaying a variety of trades, all of which date back centuries.
Theorem painter Barbara Updegrove showed off her workings of stenciled oil paint on cotton velvet, a technique that was started in the 1800’s.
“The possibilities are endless,” she claimed, noting some of her works she had completed. “You can make the fruit look realistic just from shading and tones. Sometimes, it just seems to jump out at you.” Her work at the skills, started 18 years ago, even helped her segue into a new art form, incorporating stitched felt together in a single piece.
Woodcarving and collectibles are the name of the game for Rick Fish, who has been carving and fashioning decoys since he was 8 years old, hunting in Chincoteague, Va.
“These days,” he said, “I carry a lot of different kinds from a lot of different makers, but I really like to make my own.”
He’s created an array of birds, from penguins to waterfowl, but his “bread and butter” comes from his carved and finished cormorants, with delicate details and prominent features.
Fish has been collecting antiques and originals since 1980. His assortments include everything from a 1943 World War II flare gun and shot and powder measurers for historic firearms to oyster shuckers filed down from different tools, dating back 100 years.
“I like picking up odds-and-ends stuff as I go along, stuff you don’t see every day,” said Fish, who also belongs to the Lewes Historical Society. “I like finding these things and seeing what I can do with them. I like to bring people things that everyone doesn’t have right at that time.”
He has traveled the East Coast for shows, from North Carolina to Pennsylvania, although he primarily stays a little more local now. “I can’t travel around now like I used to,” he said, “but it’s a lot of fun, and a great way to make a living.”
Pat Lynch displayed her canvas rugs, or floor cloths, popularized between the 1600’s and 1900’s, and seeing a renaissance in recent years. They were traditionally made from sail cloth in colonial times and were used to cover dirt floors. They’re made using five to six layers of paint, acrylic, oils or glazes, and sealed with six coats of sealant.
“It was a poor man’s rug back in the day,” Lynch explained.
The durable area rugs were designed for high-traffic areas, such as foyers, hallways, kitchens and under tables with chairs. “It’s a primitive art,” she said. “I can do all types of patterns, from ducks to fruit or other designs.” Lynch also showed off her pine-needle baskets, coiled and bound together, dating back prior to pottery.
Melody and Richard’s daughter, Kim Frey, was on-hand, exhibiting and selling her intricate, detailed paper cuttings, which have a very colonial look to them. Folk artist Suzy Hudson, cabinetmaker Pete Micciche and blacksmith Chris Hudson also brought their passions along, sharing the work they love. Authentic colonial and Civil War-era meals were provided by Ian Parker and Kate Frey, as well.
All in all, Melody Hudson noted that it was a successful day.
“It’s great to be able to bring everyone together like this,” she said. “Everyone here is so talented and knowledgeable in what they do, and it’s rare that you can get everyone together like this.”
Many examples of the art displayed and sold at the festival is available for purchase inside Hudson’s General Store, located at the corner of Route 26 and Iron’s Lane in Clarksville. For more information, stop in or call (302) 539-8709.