Talk about Art

As a person who likes to sew, it always disturbed me that such aficionados are called "sewers," a term that, pronounced a different way, is something no respectable person wants to be called.

So when I found the term, "sewist," I was most excited, and when I discovered Dayton sewist Kathy Snow – who makes my own high-amateur efforts look like something, well, a skilled amateur would create – I was even more excited. Snow is a Sewist Supreme, fashioning intricately detailed work that ranges from doll clothes for 18-inch American Girl-style dolls to 1930s style aprons transforming the home chef into Nostalgia Diva.

When we unpacked the array of work Snow brought for her month-long gallery Art Event – which runs through December 30 – all of us gallery associates were in a state of mental swooning. Savonnah, our framer, waxed eloquent over the miniature wedding dress that comes complete with veil and bouquet. Pat, Wenaha Gallery owner, loved the doll dresses, and quickly picked up a few for some very fortunate grandchildren. CJ, our associate who transforms empty walls into rotating displays of art that are art in themselves, gravitated toward the placemat and napkin sets, one of which features Downton Abbey fabric.

Me? I love it all, and am trying to figure out a reason why a 55-year-old woman needs an 18-inch American Girl-style doll which, come to think of it, I bought for one of our granddaughters last year. Hmmmm.

If you love sewing, you'll be impressed, and if you're looking for a gift for the doll owner, home chef, or person who loves happy things, Snow's work will put you high in their favor.

Wenaha Gallery, located at 219 East Main, Datyon, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.