by Deborah Silverthorn

Special to DJW

Miles of aisles of artwork of many styles will be available for viewing and purchase at the seventh annual JCC Jewish Arts Fest at the Meyerson Symphony Center, Sunday, Aug. 18. More than 35 artists will display sculptures, jewelry, glasswork, paintings and much more.

Vered Golan, who with Joey Laidman and Norma Phillips co-chairs the visual arts section of the event, is very proud of what is always a very popular part of the Arts Fest. "All of the art this year is incredible and there is such a wonderful variety. We have jewelry and photography, paintings and tapestries. Definitely something for anyone and at all different prices, so everyone can go home with a memento. We had a great number of artists apply; unfortunately, we even had to turn some away. Walking through the exhibit and meeting the talented artists will be entertainment in itself."

Local photographer and craftsperson Holly Kuper is exhibiting at the Arts Fest for the second time and is looking forward to welcoming returning customers as well as those new to her work. "I'd been to the Arts Fest the first five years as an observer and I loved the energy that came from the artists and musicians and from everyone there to enjoy it all." Kuper, of Holly Kuper Photography, has been photographing clients, including those at Frito-Lay, IBM and Akiba Academy of Dallas for more than 24 years and more recently, she has begun photographing family portraits and simchas. For relaxation, Kuper began knitting colorful, feathery scarves, which are also available for purchase. "It's a great place to see friends and meet new people. As an exhibitor I get the chance to see everyone come through. Last year my jaw was hurting from so much smiling. What a great way to spend a day."

Local photographer and craftsperson Holly Kuper is exhibiting at the Arts Fest for the second time and is looking forward to welcoming returning customers as well as those new to her work. "I'd been to the Arts Fest the first five years as an observer and I loved the energy that came from the artists and musicians and from everyone there to enjoy it all." Kuper, of Holly Kuper Photography, has been photographing clients, including those at Frito-Lay, IBM and Akiba Academy of Dallas for more than 24 years and more recently, she has begun photographing family portraits and simchas. For relaxation, Kuper began knitting colorful, feathery scarves, which are also available for purchase. "It's a great place to see friends and meet new people. As an exhibitor I get the chance to see everyone come through. Last year my jaw was hurting from so much smiling. What a great way to spend a day."

As in years past, many artists are coming to exhibit their talents from Israel. This year, in particular, as tourism has dropped dramatically, a number of artists are coming for the first time. Adina Gatt, from Nahariyah near the Lebanese border, is looking forward to sharing her work with the Dallas community. "The economy here has affected us very much," said Gatt. "Not just by the tourism but even by our regular customers - many are friends - who can't buy at this time." Gatt embroiders challah and matzah covers, wall hangings, tallis and tefillin bags and more. "I started doing bigger projects after my father (obm) passed away. My mother wanted to donate the parochet (curtain over the ark), in his name, and I asked her to let me do it by hand rather than the traditional machine work. This was a very unique piece and I felt like all the years, the love for Judaica I had, came out in the work."

There will be ten artists from Israel displaying their work at the Arts Fest and then again at the Aaron Family JCC on Monday, Aug. 19 from noon to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. 7 p.m. "We are very excited about this extra opportunity for the artists from Israel to be able to share their work," said Golan. "Times are very difficult in Israel, in many ways, and for the artists, tourism is their survival. This gives them a chance to sell to people who are interested and want Judaica for their homes, offices or as gifts but who aren't traveling at this time.

A number of local residents have also opened their homes to the artists to help defray their costs while in Dallas. "We are so happy to give these visiting artists this chance," said Lisa Brodsky, director of adult programs for the JCC. "The community has been warm and welcoming and so thrilled to participate as we know how important an opportunity for these artists this is."

For Robert Kleiman, who with his wife has woven tapestries since 1986 for their family business, Shizre Kodesh, the decrease in tourism has been horrible for their business. "We were 95 percent tourist orientated and the effect has been disastrous," said Kleiman.

"Without traveling to the USA, we could literally close down. In hindsight, what has saved me is that I started to travel to the USA in 1988 and built a huge network of contacts and Judaica shows where I sold our hand-woven tallitot. For artists who do not have this network, it is much harder. In the good days I would travel twice a year. Now I need to travel every 6-8 weeks in order to generate enough business to continue." Kleiman's studio is located in the Arts & Crafts Lane outside the Jaffa Gate of the Old City and even the few tourists who come to Jerusalem are staying away from that area.

The artwork will all be on display in the lobby area of the Meyerson. Tickets for the Arts Fest are: adults, $12 in advance or $14 at the door; youth ages three to 15, $6 in advance and $8 at the door; and children two and under, free. For more information, call the JCC at (214) 739-2737.