This show pulls the neighborhood’s creativity into one location

Lakewood Summer Arts Faire

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Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 13, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Lakewood United Methodist Church, 2443 Abrams

Lakewoodsummerartsfaire.org

Three weeks to put together an art show isn’t much time, but thanks to the neighborhood artists and businesses that backed it, Michael Langley was able to pull off the first ever Lakewood Summer Arts Faire two years ago.

“Literally, I put a satchel on my shoulder and walked all down through the neighborhood and talked to the businesses,” says Langley, a Hollywood Heights resident. “Only two said no, and 70 supported us.”

He’s now gearing up for the third annual show, which means his daughter, 5-year-old Kate, will be canvassing the neighborhood storefronts with her father again.

“People can’t say no to her,” Langley grins.

The show started out as a fundraiser for children’s ministries at Lakewood United Methodist Church, where Langley attends, but the success of the first one birthed three additional shows staggered throughout the year. The whole point, he says, is to give neighborhood artists more exposure.

“I had artist friends already because my wife is a frustrated artist,” Langley says. “They just wanted more opportunities to show and sell their art in different ways, and they want to support charitable causes.”

In this case, proceeds will fund an after-school program for Lakewood Elementary students and help support a mother and her children who are Hurricane Katrina refugees.

Because the show strays from the norm, it attracts both experienced artists and newcomers — 12 artists have made their debut at the Lakewood Summer Arts Faire, including two this year who will be displaying their work for the first time.

“I always try to find someone new because the whole point is showcasing local art and giving someone an opportunity,” Langley says.

It also features artists who don’t normally exhibit at shows, such as the veterinarian who paints animals that Langley found when he solicited his clinic, and the paralegal who steps away from her corporate job for only this show.

Out of the 40-plus artists whose work will be on display, 25 are returning from the original show. Langley attributes the high return rate to the extra pampering the artists receive — a VIP party Friday for their friends and family plus catered food throughout the weekend.

The artists are also more interactive at this show; each one agrees to step outside his booth for an hour on Saturday to help children create an art project. One even volunteers to paint faces.

Except for one artist from Wimberly, Texas, all of the participants live in Dallas. Their work includes paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, glasswork, wood and leather. Based on the response to previous shows, Langley expects another success.

“This neighborhood totally supports non-profit endeavors and art, and that’s what all these shows are about — using artists and the beauty of their work to bring awareness to them.”