7 Amazing Local Artists from Arts Goggle 2019 :: Weekend in Review

I honestly did not think we were going to be able to make it over to Fort Worth this weekend, but the clouds parted in our busy schedule and I was super excited to hit Near Southside and see what Arts Goggle 2019 had to offer.  Folks, it did not disappoint.

Near Southside street sign in Fort Worth, Texas, photo by DFW Craft Shows

Booths lined the streets for Arts Goggle 2019, photo by DFW Craft Shows

It was amazing to see so many North Texas artists lined up and down the street as far as the eye could see.  More than 1,000 artisans flooded the streets that day, and the sheer magnitude of talent was breathtaking.

Chameleon by Byron Moss, photo by DFW Craft Shows

One of the first booths that we came upon was Art of Distinction by Byron Moss.  Byron's paintings are so vibrant, they practically jump off the canvas.  This chameleon was absolutely stunning to see in person.  Panther Chameleons happen to be one of my favorite animals, so this was a real treat for me.

Metal Dinosaur by Woodpost Metalworks, photo by DFW Craft Shows

If the chameleon stopped me in my tracks, you can imagine what the whole fam thought about this 4FT metal dinosaur lurking behind Woodpost Metalworks' booth wall.  It was an absolute show stopper for the kids, but even they had to squeeze past a crowd of adults to get a closer look.  The intricate work and perfectly cut and assembled pieces resembled the most amazing 3D puzzle I had ever seen.

Twist of Pink by Jana McLaughlin, photo by DFW Craft Shows

Sometimes the hardest part about doing a show this big is standing out in a sea of artists--Jana McLaughlin of Twist of Pink does not have this problem. Her booth is actually an air-conditioned, mini-trailer/ studio decorated inside and out with her adorable mixed-media art, cards, and more.  This bright, cheerful piece captured my heart, and I think I've looked at this photograph daily since we left.  

Embroidery by Craft Made Goods, photo by DFW Craft Shows

Craft Made Goods is one of those artists that brightens my day every time she pops up on Instagram, but seeing her work in person was a next level experience.  Photographs really cannot do justice to the level of detail and heart that she pours into each and every one of these hoops.   

Soaps and Sundries by Clover Hollow Soaps, photo by DFW Craft Shows

I will admit that after about an hour and a half of looking at arts & crafts, my 2 year old was feeling very done and I was starting to feel a bit stressed.  How was I going to see everything I wanted to see with a grumper on my hands?  And then I turned the corner and stumbled into an oasis.  If ever a booth display exuded peace, self care, and luxury, it was this gorgeous set-up by Clover Hollow Soaps.  It was everything I needed to reset, recharge, and tackle another aisle of art before waving the white flag.  

My First Ray Gun by Cat Can Crochet, photo by DFW Craft Shows

I am a sucker for a good story, and that is exactly what Cat Can Crochet delivers with her adorable crocheted creations and their equally adorable graphics.  Did you know that 90% of babies are born without their own Ray Gun?  You now have the power to help end this epidemic.

Woodworking by Wind and Roots, photo by DFW Craft Shows

I could not have said it better myself--and I certainly could not have said it as beautifully.  The very talented Wind and Roots combines fantastic graphic design and impeccable woodworking into these delightful works of art that perfectly wrap up our Weekend in Review.

Arts Goggle 2019 an invigorating and inspirational showcase of North Texas talent that the whole family enjoyed.  My 6 year old daughter came home convinced that she was going to be host an art show of her own with plans to dedicate all the proceeds to her elementary school. She has been sketching and coloring ever since.  And because I am nothing if not an arts & crafts enabler, I even bought her tiny little frames for her work. I think coming away from an arts & crafts show filled with passion and excitement about creating is an excellent sign of a successful show, don't you?

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at @dfwcraftshows for more vendor highlights.  And remember, the best cure for Craft Show FOMO is a weekly dose of The Weekend Guide featuring show information for all across North Texas and beyond!