Young and adult artisans set to showcase skills in St. Marys Satin Ribbon Showcase

The Satin Ribbon Showcase will make its debut at the St. Marys Public Library. Pictured is Caroline Rabideau, library services coordinator at the St. Marys Public Library.

By Alex Hunt

The pages of Dan Needles’ Finding Larkspur come to life in St. Marys this month as The Satin Ribbon Showcase invites the community to show off their artisan skills, culminating in a library exhibit ahead of an author talk on Oct. 25.

Inspired by the Perth County Reads title of the year, Finding Larkspur by Dan Needles, the St. Marys Public Library presents The Satin Ribbon Showcase where artisans of all ages and skill levels show off their handmade creations, including sewing, arts and crafts, preserves, baked goods and more.

“It’s competitive but it’s mostly for exercise and creativity; it’s all about the community coming together and participating as one,” said Caroline Rabideau, library services coordinator. “The ribbons will be showcased at the library in a creative way, there will be little prizes and this is an all-ages event.” 

The Satin Ribbon Showcase is welcoming submissions from artisans of all ages and skill levels, with a variety of categories designed to inspire creativity.

For the youngest participants, preschoolers aged zero to five can submit beaded bracelets, farm-themed colouring pages, leaf rubbings, or pinecone animals. Youth aged six to nine are encouraged to try their hand at beaded necklaces, bookmarks, LEGO barns, painted rocks, or Rice Krispie creations.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the works and finding out what people are contributing to the event. I’m looking forward to seeing all the levels of creativity within the different categories,” said Rabideau. “We give participants some criteria and guidelines to follow but they can make a craft however they want. This is an opportunity for them to showcase their talent.” 

Teens between 10 and 15 have the opportunity to showcase beaded necklaces, bird feeders, clay sculptures, wearable knit items, or baked cookies. Teens and adults 16 and older can enter more advanced projects, including beaded earrings, embroidery, quilt squares, small paintings, 3D crocheted animals, as well as baked goods such as cookies, cornbread, fruit preserves, fruit tarts and muffins.

Judges will evaluate entries based on the level of artistic execution and how well contestants interpret the novel, Finding Larkspur. Creativity and passion are among the most important criteria, with awards going to those who demonstrate exceptional skill and originality. As a new contest, organizers are eager to see this year’s submissions and are already looking ahead to improvements for future editions.

“We are a small town and we don’t have our own fall fair, so this is kind of like a smaller scale. Dan (Needles) will be giving a talk about the book that he wrote, “said Rabideau. “It’s all about community. People will be connecting with the book through the event, and we will be doing our own fall fair.”

Entries can be dropped off at the library on Oct. 14 and 15. The submissions will be on display upstairs on Oct. 17 and 18, where visitors can view all entries and see which creations have been awarded a Satin Ribbon.

Needles himself will host his author’s talk at 15 Church St. N on Oct. 25. at 2 p.m.