The Creative Spirit of Our Volunteers
Image Credit: Dave Volden
At the International Folk Art Market, our volunteers have always been the heart and soul of our community. Each year, they bring unmatched creativity and enthusiasm, not just in their roles but also in expressing their connection to IFAM. One tradition that has truly blossomed over the years is our Volunteer Shirt Decorating Contest.
What started as a fun way to personalize their volunteer shirts has evolved into something much more—a vibrant showcase of creativity, community spirit, and a deep connection to the Market. These shirts are no longer just keepsakes; they have become cherished symbols of our volunteers' joy and dedication to IFAM every year.
This year, we were thrilled to see such incredible designs, and it was no easy task to select the top winners. We’re excited to announce the top three designs, each of which is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our volunteers:
1st Place: Karin Anderson—Karin’s design is made from recycled vintage fabric scraps, leftover upholstery trims, and soda pop tops to add a bit of 'bling' and jingle as she walks. She also made a headband and bracelet wrap from the scraps of the t-shirt sleeves and bottom that she had cut up!
2nd Place: Gloria Bradbury – Gloria’s shirt featured a beautiful blend of traditional and modern elements, creating a unique and captivating design with ceramic tiles and added fringe. Gloria received high scores because of the color matching from head to toe. Nicely done, Gloria!
3rd Place: Arthur Blue – Arthur’s creative use of texture and color made his shirt an actual work of art that resonated with everyone! The judges loved the pop of color and multi-dimensional flowers.
We’d also like to give a special honorable mention to Lynn Petrelli, who went above and beyond by creating a quilt from volunteer shirts collected over the past 15+ years. Lynn’s quilt is not only a stunning piece of craftsmanship but also a powerful testament to the lasting impact and memories that IFAM has created for all of us.
These creative expressions are a beautiful reminder of our volunteers' deep connection with the International Folk Art Market. We’re so proud of the incredible talent and dedication our volunteers continue to show year after year.
Thank you to everyone who participated, and congratulations to our winners!
We can’t wait to see what next year’s contest will bring.
