St. Thaddeus Creates art, crafts show coming

Just in time for Christmas, St. Thaddeus parishioners will present the first St. Thaddeus Creates Art and Craft Show on Saturday and Sunday in the St. Thaddeus/Mead Hall gym, 125 Pendleton St. in downtown Aiken.

During the Civil War, the women of St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church used to gather to sew clothing for the Confederate soldiers.

On into the 20th century, the ladies, and some men of the church continued that tradition, though by the 1960s, the things created were slightly less utilitarian.

Doll clothes, baby pillows, handkerchief bonnets and painted baskets were offered for sale at the annual St. Thaddeus Fall Bazaar along with baked goods and items from a "freezer table."

It's been about 25 years since the last fall bazaar was held in the dilapidated gym that had begun its life as an automobile showroom.

But the creative urge still exists in the collective memory of St. Thaddeus church members and, once again, artists and crafters from St. Thaddeus and Mead Hall will combine efforts to benefit the community.

The event will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. in the church/school gym.

The St. Thaddeus Bookstore will offer a selection of gift items from its shelves, and The Busy Bakers from the Tri-Development Center will also be on hand to sell their delicious cookies and breads.

A portion of each sale will be donated to community outreach and to the Mead Hall Annual Fund.

Among the exhibitors will be the following:

* Bethany Reeson - Hairbows and tutus, Christmas cookies

* Major and MaryAnn Thompson - Quilts, wire-wrapped necklaces, bracelets, earrings

* Tom and Jan McRee - Jewelry, logo items

* John Gordon - Pottery

* Madeline Fox - Pottery and wreaths

* Brenda Douglas - Photography

* Patty Edel - Painted items

* Joyce Riddick - Pottery

* Rosalie Cool - Painting

* Brandi Polatty - Fabric items

* Amber Mathis - Aprons

* Leslie Alexander - Notecards and prints, featuring her original art

* Joan Donnelly