Sustainability Fair at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church

Local Church Supports Sustainable Living for Future Generations 

Fair will Highlight Work of Hooked Rug Artist Marlene Heard

Unique goods from around the world, handcrafted items including rugs hooked by artisan Marlene Heard and a winter farmers market highlight the Fair Trade and Sustainability Fair at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 12th   from 10:00am – 2:00pm. This event, hosted annually by St. Matthew’s congregation, features sustainable products and activities that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Artisan Marlene Heard has donated a number of folk art rugs that will be for sale as a benefit fundraiser for the event.  After teaching in the Elmbrook School District, Heard built a very successful 20-year second career as an artisan and teacher, studying in West Virginia under Pearl McGowan.  In the McGowan tradition, Heard used only wool strips to create her colorful rugs, sustainable fabrics that she carefully gathered from garments found in numerous thrift stores. Heard is currently retired and this may be the very last time her work will be for sale in the community.

Other specialty vendors will offer a distinctive array of gift items including jewelry, mittens, aprons, handbags and cranberry salsa and relish.

Rounding out the day’s events will be a winter farmers market, and a cooking demonstration.  A soup and salad luncheon featuring all locally produced food will be served from 11:30am – 1:00pm. Tickets for the lunch are $6 for adults and $3 for children and can be purchased at the door.

The Fair Trade and Sustainability Fair welcomes these local vendors: Third World Handcraft Shoppe, Go Green, Fair Trade For All, and Trails To Bridges.  Proceeds from the fair will benefit area farmers, producers of fair trade items, and Growing Power’s Hoop House Project.