So many artists wanted to exhibit at Israel in the Gardens this year, the organizers had to split the shuk into two.
The more established artists will set up camp in the “Sheinkin Street” area, while up-and-coming crafters will display their wares in the “Nahalat Binyamin” outdoor marketplace.
Both sections are named after popular open markets and streets of Tel Aviv, in celebration of the city’s 100th birthday. There will be nearly 20 artists in each section, selling everything from intricate silver jewelry to hip, Jewish-themed T-shirts.
Andy Greenberg, chair of the arts and crafts area, thinks the heightened interest this year came about organically, through growing word-of-mouth in the Jewish community. She also notes that the organizers reached out to a broader group of artists, including those who sell items at the Contemporary Jewish Museum store.
Greenberg, an attorney by day and artist by night, is also a jurist: She sits on the panel of artists and gallery owners charged with the task of selecting which artists will be accepted into Israel in the Gardens.
“We were approached by a lot of people [wanting to exhibit],” she says, “but we also targeted some new artists we had seen at other shows throughout the year.”
The panel’s efforts appear to have worked — at least 15 vendors this year are new to the event. That includes sister artists Suzy and Nina Safdie, who create collaged shadowboxes with wood, found objects and beads. Each piece includes slips of paper inscribed with prayers or sayings in Hebrew.
Another new vendor is Art for the Jewish Heart, a company offering do-it-yourself, Jewish-themed art projects and kits for children.
As for returning artists, Greenberg is particularly enthused about the work of Yehuda Tassa, a Yemenite silver filigree artist from Palo Alto. Tassa’s father was a jeweler in Yemen who taught him at age 6 the gentle art of curling tiny pieces of silver. Tassa now creates and sells intricate silver jewelry and other items, and teaches classes in modern filigree design.
“His work is exquisitely beautiful,” Greenberg says.
She also mentioned New York artist Amit Shuker’s T-shirts. Greenberg thinks Shuker’s Jewish- and Israel-themed tops will appeal to the younger set of Israel in the Gardens shoppers.
There will be a number of environmentally conscious items for sale as well. The Lenore Collection carries handbags made of found objects and recycled products. The bags feature old newsprint or magazine stock reconfigured into wearable art.
While all of the arts and crafts at the outdoor marketplace are individually crafted, the common thread that runs through them is a dedication to creating Jewish- and Israel-themed pieces.
Says Greenberg: “These artists are varied and diverse, just like Tel Aviv itself.”