Artisans sell handmade items at 34th annual Affair on the Square

MEDINA — People filled the Medina Square to visit the approximately 175 vendors that were selling handmade and vintage items at the 34th annual Affair on the Square on Sunday. Maribeth Blanchard was one vendor at this year's craft show. She is an artist whose paintings are mainly inspired by nature. "I really enjoy water scenes and anything having to do with being on the lake and boating," she said. "Lately, I have gotten more into birds and other animals. I try to do a little bit more of impasto and kind of break out of my shell." Painting became Blanchard's hobby during the pandemic. "I actually bought a ton of art supplies for my kids," she said. "Then, we had all these art supplies, and I needed an outlet. I found some YouTube tutorials. I've never painted before in my life and just went to town." Blanchard said she has attended similar events in the Cleveland and Toledo area. She loves being part of Affair on the Square and has been a vendor at it for around the past five years. "It's always a fun show," she said. "There's such a great mix of people who are here presenting at their booths with their small businesses. Also, the people who are here — our customers — are fantastic." Emily Szalkowski was another artist who took part in Affair on the Square. She described her style as a mix between Tim Burton and Lisa Frank by combining bright colors with creepy imagery. "I've been doing (art) professionally for about 10 years now," she said. "I've been drawing ever since I was little." Szalkowski has been attending craft shows as a vendor for about a decade now and has been involved in Affair on the Square for the past few years. "It's one of my best shows, honestly," she said. "I do really good here every year, so it's one of my favorites for sure." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.