ARTISAN SHOW RETURNS TO STEP OUTDOORS
Outdoors-focused festival June 1-2 to feature 20 artists with ties to natural world; St. Luke’s offering new ‘Walk with a Doc’ Program June 1
From handcrafted pottery featuring unique floral designs to iron-forged campfire tools, the wonders of the natural world will be on display during the 2nd-annual Nature-themed Artisan Show at Step Outdoors presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network June 1-2 at SteelStacks.
During the artisan show, presented by Ah-Ha! Arts Management, more than 20 artists from throughout the region will offer a diverse array of finely crafted jewelry, ceramics, handmade soaps and more. The show, which takes place in the second-floor Fowler Blast Furnace Room of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, features a variety of craftsmen and artists, all of whom have a strong connection to or interest in nature and the natural world.
Among the artisans taking part in the show are CJ’s Wood & Stuff, which creates wood-turned pens and kitchen utensils; Iron Oak Creations, which forges plant stands, campfire tools and drink stands out of iron; and Heather Skorinko of the Coplay-based Suyundalla Farms, who raises and shears her own sheep, processes the wool and then knits and weaves the fiber into sweaters, stockings, blankets and shawls.
A selection of artists confirmed so far are:
A Natural Alternative, Emmaus – handcrafted soaps
A Mackenzie Studio, New Tripoli – handmade jewelry
Artsy Allure, Easton – handmade jewelry, fashion accessories
Autdemna Jewelers, Allentown – semi-precious stone jewelry
CJ’s Wood & Stuff, Center Valley – wood-turned pens and kitchen utensils
Fire Light Glass & Design, Bethlehem – fused glass works inspired by nature
MudWorks Pottery, Effort – handcrafted pottery
Paula Focazio Art & Design, Upper Black Eddy – wheel thrown ceramics
Iron Oak Creations, Mohrsville – forged iron home and garden items
Dona Jones, Allentown – torched copper
Deb McGinley, Emmaus – knitted clothing and toys
Suyundalla Farms, Coplay – natural wool and fiber products
The Basket Tree, Philadelphia – handmade baskets
ST. LUKE’S OFFERING ‘WALK WITH A DOC’ AT STEP OUTDOORS JUNE 1
Step Outdoors participants have the unique opportunity to learn from a leading healthcare professional while enjoying an urban hike/walk during St. Luke’s University Health Network’s new Walk with a Doc program at the festival June 1, 10 a.m.
The event, led by St. Luke’s Medical Critical Care physician Dr. Jennifer Axelband, begins with a short educational talk by the doctor, followed by a walk at your own pace and distance. The walk begins at the base of the Hoover-Mason Trestle staircase adjacent to the visitor center; the event is free, but advance signup is requested.
Step Outdoors Lehigh Valley presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network is a free, family-focused festival that takes place at SteelStacks June 1-2. During the festival, children enjoy presentations and activities by more than 25 local and state outdoors and conservation groups. Activities include archery, biking, gardening, art & nature activities, hiking, bluebird box building, laser sporting clays and more. Highlights this year include the return of the high-flying Keystone DockDogs competition, a new kids’ firefighters challenge and more.
Partners helping to support the Step Outdoors festival presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network include Ah-Ha! Arts Management, Aqua-Duck, Coca-Cola Bottling of the Lehigh Valley, Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, PSECU and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications. For more information on the festival, visit www.steelstacks.org/stepoutdoors.
