Several Art Forms Entice Attendees at Festival

“It’s a celebration of all the different types of art that Frostburg has to offer,” says Asia Taylor when asked why she attends Frostburg State University’s Appalachian Festival every year. “I just love going from table to table, in the hopes that I will learn something new about American history. There is something interesting here for everyone.” This year did not disappoint. From Thursday to Saturday, there surely was something there for everyone, as the upper half of Frostburg State’s campus was filled with several stations and tents, each contributing a different subject matter for the attendees to observe. There were several musical performances, dance lessons, a display of baby goats for children to feed, handmade jewelry displays, screen-printing, weaving tables, the glorious smell of apple butter brewing in the center of all the festivities and so much more for the attendees to choose from. It was truly a celebration of many art forms.
The displays featuring homemade and handmade items drew the larger crowds. When asked what he was creating, John Simpson explained that “bowl hewing” was the only method of making bowls before technology came into existence. Carefully spooning out a chunk of wood for what would become his next handmade bowl, Simpson looked up to the eager crowd and exclaimed, “Careful! Wood can come out flying before you know it.” Aside from the entertainment aspect of watching Simpson create a bowl with a small tool in his hands, the crowd was more pleased with how peaceful and focused Simpson was as he displayed his craft so effortlessly.
“I’ve been doing this for a couple years now,” says Jackie Snelson, as she explained the process of her craft—basket weaving. “I enjoy playing with the colors to see how they’ll come out,” she said as she grabbed one of her multicolored baskets from the bunch. When asked why she makes baskets, Snelson looked up smiling and said, “I just love to make them.” This was the common response among the crafty men and women who sat at their display tables carefully performing their crafts for the people to see.
Aside from the crafts, musical performances were a big show stopper this year. One performance included multi-genre singer Loretta Hummel, who was eager to explain why she attends the festival every year. “I love the music here,” she said when asked what she loves the most at the festival. “I sing Gospel, Bluegrass and Country music but I love Bluegrass the most,” she said smiling back Amy Fabbri, the woman performing on the stage.
By the number of displays and attendees at this year’s Appalachian Festival, it is safe to say that this is what brings the residents of Frostburg and the students of Frostburg State University together. It’s the celebration and appreciation of traditional art that allows generations to ignore their differences and embrace what they have in common, which is the love of art. One student said, “These old folks can make stuff that I take for granted every day,” as he picked up one of John Simpson’s handmade bowls and smiled.”