Art makers showcased in annual Best of Blawnox spring event

Callie Krenn may not know art, but she knows what she likes.

“I liked the one with the monkey,” Callie, 8, of Blawnox, said about a painting of a monkey.

She was one of many who took part in Masterpiece Pursuit, a scavenger hunt during the Best of Blawnox’s second annual Spring Art Fling along Freeport Road.

The June 10 event stretched between the 200 and 400 blocks of the thoroughfare, which was lined with about a dozen vendors, from jewelry makers to ceramic crafters to glass blowers.

Callie, her father, Scott Krenn, and other family members found all six pieces that were sought in the scavenger hunt. Those who found them all were entered into a raffle for a chance to win family memberships to Carnegie Museums.

“I just appreciate anything that puts the spotlight on Blawnox and what a great community it is,” said Scott Krenn. “It’s a great way to get out, see the businesses. Hang out with good people (and) enjoy the day.”

Members of Pittsburgh Glass Center brought Hot Wheels, a mobile workshop, and did glass blowing demonstrations.

Pittsburgh musician Joe Leytrick performed acoustic songs.

West Mifflin artist Jessica Butala showcased her ceramic art and other homemade home goods.

“I’m an industrial designer, so I enjoy product development and I’ve created my own home goods,” she said. “I’ve got two studios in my home. One side is (for) sewing and the other is ceramics.

“I’ve been sewing since I was 5. … I started making and selling ceramics just a couple years ago. I just really enjoy it. I want to share the everyday use of something handmade, beautiful in your home.”

This year’s art fling was organized by the Best of Blawnox executive committee with help from Michelle Babkes and her husband, Michael Ninehouser, both from the borough and owners of Blue Rose Custom Frame Parlor.

Butala said she and her husband, Ben, are friends with Ninehouser and were happy to be a part of the event.

“(It’s been) joyful. There’s a really nice feeling in the air,” Jessica Butala said. “There’s a lot of creativity. People seem to be very happy and curious.”

Artists were seen painting a mural outside Blue Rose. The shop opened in December.

“We’re mainly trying to bring art to younger people (and) bring interesting artists to them,” Ninehouser said. “That was our main focus, but we also wanted to have a place for people to sell (things). Demonstrations (were) a big challenge. Having people do stuff live on site was difficult because art doesn’t always travel the best.”

Ninehouser praised BoB committee members Angi Yucas and Ann Petrus for doing a lot of the event organization.

“I mostly focused on the design element of the flyers and stuff,” he said.

“The scavenger hunt is the thing I’m most excited about. It seems like people are doing it.”

Babkes said her favorite part of the event was seeing all the people participate.

“You don’t even realize how many creative people are in our neighborhood,” she said.

Planning for this year’s Spring Art Fling started in February, and preparations for next year’s event have already begun.

“One of our missions, not only as Best of Blawnox but especially with this art fling, is to make art reachable,” said Petrus. “Art comes in so many different forms. It’s not just a piece at the Carnegie Museum that you will never have in your house or experience.”

More information about Best of Blawnox and its activities is available at bestofblawnox.com.