The Made in Clarkdale Showcase will be returning to the Clark Memorial Clubhouse auditorium for its 36th year from Thursday, Nov. 30, through Sunday, Dec. 3.
Founded in 1986, the showcase was started by Ellie Bauer and other Clarkdale residents as a way to fund a newsletter for the town.
Marsha Foutz, the showcase’s current organizer, was one of the 12 artists who participated in the first showcase. Foutz is a ceramic artist known for her ceramic chess sets but now makes other game pieces and functional ceramics such as bowls.
“Community spirit is important and it’s greatly lacking across our country,” Foutz said. “Community is everything.” She added that the event has helped to build the Clarkdale community and that the town is very supportive of the event.
The event typically has around 30 participating artists each year. The artists must either live or work in Clarkdale or attend classes at Yavapai College’s Clarkdale campus.
The artists’ mediums of choice include photography, paint, ceramics, fiber, crafts, sculpting, mixed media and more. Artists will have individual booths set up to enable them to discuss their work with attendees.
“The volunteerism is a thrill,” Foutz said, thanking the volunteers for their efforts. “The showcase has evolved in the importance of it and people wanting to be a part of it. Everybody comes to the show and our attendance is really great. It encourages the arts within the community.”
The showcase will feature an evening social event on Friday, which is a new addition from last year.
Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, followed by live music and refreshments from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free and all of the art is available for sale.
The Clark Memorial Clubhouse is located at 19 N. 9th St. in Clarkdale. For information, visit madeinclarkdale.org.
