The return of the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show

WEST BLOOMFIELD — In what has become a long-standing tradition in West Bloomfield, the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show is set to return this summer.

The dates for this year’s show are July 27 and 28.

The Saturday show will run 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday’s show is scheduled for 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This year, approximately 130 artists are expected to be at the event, which is juried by art professionals.

All of the artwork at the show is required to be original and personally handmade by each of the artists participating.

Along with the artwork, live music and a variety of food options are part of the ambiance of the event.

According to a press release, the show has been voted as one of the top art shows in the country 12 times.

Patty Narozny, who is the owner and producer of Hot Works, shared her opinion as to what separates the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show from others.

“We’re well known around the country with the community of the artists, and that’s how we bring artists to Michigan who don’t do the other Michigan shows,” Narozny said. “We bring artists to Michigan that you don’t see at other shows.”

According to Narozny, the event features “all forms of discipline,” including painting, clay, glass, sculpture, jewelry and wood.

Scott Bayless is a glass artist from Illinois. He estimated that he has been participating in the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show since 2007.

“For years, that’s been the only show that I’ve done like this,” Bayless said. “Generally, I’m selling my work through galleries across the country, so I make it (and) ship it out, rather than actually going on the road and doing shows. I like doing the Orchard Lake show because it’s close enough to where I live; I’m just outside Chicago. The show does really well for me.”

Although Bayless is there to try to sell his work, he has also taken notice of the art displayed by others at the event.

“It’s a well-done show,” he said. “All of the artists that I’ve seen there have been high quality, so I think they do a really good job of picking the people to participate. … It’s a good quality of artwork.”

West Bloomfield Township Supervisor Steven Kaplan said that he and his wife attend every year.

“The art fair, in many ways, defines West Bloomfield, because friends and neighbors frolic at the fair, and they look forward every year to participating in the event,” Kaplan said.

According to Narozny, there is something for everyone at the show. She explained what it is, and what it is not.

“I understand we’re a street show; we’re not a museum show,” she said. “We have a lot of very beautiful art for collectors, but I (want to) make sure we have something for everyone, starting at $20, $25, so that we can bring in new collectors. Someone … who wants to buy something for $25 starts to appreciate handmade, original art.”

Narozny described the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show as a boutique-size show, estimating that it draws about 5,000 people both days.

She said it is a family event, with no alcohol.

The event also features a youth art competition for those in grades K-8 or between the ages of 5 and 13, with a presentation and cash awards scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. July 28.

Although Bayless generally prefers to make and then ship his work, for him, there is an upside to being part of an art show.

“I’m not a big fan of going out and selling stuff, but it is nice to actually get out and be dealing with people who are going to be actually putting my pieces in their homes,” he said. “It is fun in that respect.”

Kaplain said that the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show helps define the season. He shared his perspective about what the atmosphere is like.

“It’s like town square, Central Park,” Kaplan said. “People arrive whenever they want on Saturday and Sunday … and frequently they see friends and neighbors and they rekindle friendships.”

The show is located near Powers and Daly roads, which is south of Maple Road and west of Orchard Lake Road, with free parking at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital Care Center, located at 6900 Orchard Lake Road.

“If you drive behind the medical center, go all the way to the end of their parking lot,” Narozny said.  “It’ll take people directly to the entrance of the show.”

Admission costs $5, with the exception of children 13 and younger, who are admitted for free.

A receipt can provide in-and-out access for the duration of the show.

According to Narozny, “There’s plenty for everyone to do.”

“Everyone, enjoy the show,” she said. “Come have fun.”

For more information, Narozny can be contacted at info@hotworks.org or (248) 762-2462.