Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Even founder Becki Cooper is surprised by the growth of her Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. “We started with 45 vendors, and in less than a year we’re up to 135!” Since launching the shows in June, 2011, Cooper has hosted quarterly events in both Cleveland and Columbus. At this point, she credits the rapid growth to the region’s newfound passion for buying local, and to her crafters’ willingness to customize their products. “People always want to showcase their own creativity,” says the native Clevelander. “If they can talk to the designer face-to-face and customize the items to meet their specific vision, it makes it feel more special.” Among the accommodating designers at today’s show, you’ll find painters, quilters, jewelry makers, and more — so many more, in fact, that the show takes up four grand ballrooms at Westlake’s Wagner’s Country Inn. If all that shopping works up an appetite, beer, wine, and a la carte lunch items will be available. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.