Lowell, Mich. – The Fallasburg Fall Festival has become one my absolute favorite local art shows but I really wish it lasted longer. When 5 p.m. rolled around Saturday, I was just getting started. I didn’t get there until after 3 p.m. and only made it to six booths. Seriously, only six!

How do I explain the snail-paced way I check out art? I’m curious. It’s not enough for me to look for stuff I like, buy stuff and collect business cards. That would be too easy. Instead, I visit people’s sales booths and mine for stories. This is a very slow process because inside every single booth is a story. I will write about the people I met Saturday in a few short posts before heading back to meet more artists today. (My big plans to to go the American Sewing Expo in Novi today were dashed, so I’m going to make the best of it here in West Michigan.)

Saturday I met tapestry weaver, Lisa McClow Berry, and her husband, Chris Berry, of Motherloom Studios. I learned about the handwoven foot stools, pillows and wall art she’s been making for the last 30 years right here in Grand Rapids.

I think I burned a lot of calories talking and laughing in Lisa’s booth. We had a good time. Stop by Booth 21 today to see her work in person.