The Conceptualization of the Event
The event was first conceptualized by Lizzy Fraser `24.5, along with two other members of the community, including Ren Fisher, Saints Rest employee. While discussing the idea, they focused on creating spaces for artists to sell their work locally, for Grinnell students to connect with the community, and for community members to connect with local art.
“Spaces for artists to be able to sell more of their work locally, spaces for Grinnell students to connect with community, and spaces for community members to connect with local art,” said Lizzy Fraser.
The Art Stalls and Artists
As well as organizing the event, Lizzy Fraser also sold artwork, including stickers, candles, and matchboxes. She described her creations as “odds and ends.” Gwyn Redding `25, another artist at the fair, had stickers, shirts, prints, and “miscellaneous ceramics” for sale.
- Other items for sale at the various artist stalls included ceramics, prints, and jewelry made from keyboard keys.
- Ceramics, prints, and jewelry made from keyboard keys were popular among the patrons.
- Some artists had unique items to offer, such as customized phone cases.
The Specialty Drinks
Saints Rest also offered themed specialty drinks for the occasion, including “The Sweet Tooth,” an ube latte with vanilla cold foam; “Tooth Hurty,” a horchata shaken espresso; and “The Toothache,” a blueberry and lemon matcha with white chocolate and matcha cold foam.
| Drink Name | Description |
|---|---|
| “The Sweet Tooth” | Ube latte with vanilla cold foam |
| “Tooth Hurty” | Horchata shaken espresso |
| “The Toothache” | Blueberry and lemon matcha with white chocolate and matcha cold foam |
The Tooth Gem Artist
Daja Smith, a tooth gem artist, was also present at the fair, decorating clients’ teeth with colorful jewelry. “I learned how to do them out in California,” said Smith. “Any design you want me to do on your teeth with tooth gems, I can do… It’s like a form of expression.”
Highlights of the Event
* The fair brought many patrons to Saints Rest, interested in the art, the tooth gems, and the drinks. * The event was a great opportunity for Grinnell students to connect with the community and for community members to connect with local art. * The fair was a success, with many attendees commenting on the unique and creative items on display.
Community Appreciation
“I absolutely adore the community of Saints Rest,” said Lizzy Fraser. “I think it’s beautiful how Saints Rest manages to cultivate the space, and so having an art fair within the coffee shop brings that connection and microcosm that makes it feel really worth it.”
The fair was a testament to the power of community and creativity. It brought together artists, students, and community members to celebrate the beauty of local art and the joy of creative expression. As Lizzy Fraser so eloquently put it, “It’s a fun experience in getting to sell some of our smaller and odder artwork.” The Sweet Tooth Art Fair was a unique and special event that will be remembered for a long time.