Carina Dybevick is a senior in high school, but instead of having a part-time job at the mall like many other 17-year-old students, she manages her own business, making handmade polymer clay charms.
Now, she has another line for her resume: being the featured artist for Saturday’s Gainesville Arts Market.
GAM, an arts and music festival, is a monthly event hosted by the Gainesville Art Scene. For its October event, Art-oberfest, GAM promises the flavor of fall along with its usual array of local art vendors, musicians and food.
“This will be a great opportunity for the community to hear original music, try great food, meet a local artist and learn new art and craft techniques,” said Txong Moua, the director of the Gainesville Art Scene. “This will be a great opportunity to support local artists and businesses.”
Although GAM is hosted monthly, Moua said every market is unique. One factor that makes each arts market different from the last is its featured musician, which varies by month.
For Art-oberfest, Swampland Troubadours, a local songwriting group, will headline the festival with an original set.
Each month, the featured artist changes as well.
“I am honored and excited to be the featured artist of Art-oberfest,” Dybevick said. “Since the purpose of Lychee Tea Charms is to bring people joy, I take every opportunity to share my art with others.”
Dybevick’s booth will offer polymer clay charms sculpted by hand. The charms, which can serve as necklaces, earrings or keychains, are crafted to replicate food, animals and plants.
Dybevick is just one of the dozens of vendors that will be present Saturday at Art-oberfest. Local artists, musicians, authors and dancers will be sharing their art with those who attend through performances, interactive displays and on-site lessons, said Brian Wilson, an event coordinator.
“We allow the artist to define art through paintings, sculpture, sound, smell, touch and taste,” Wilson said. “Art exists in everything, and we relish in the diversity Gainesville offers.”
Art-oberfest will take place at Vine Bread & Pasta restaurant, located at 672 N. Main St. The restaurant will offer food and drink specials throughout the day for GAM visitors. The event will start at 9 a.m. and will run until 4 p.m. All ages can attend.
