Maynard Wade not only crafts dulcimers, he loves to play them.

WARSAW — With cloudy skies and an occasional raindrop, crowds were slow to form at the “Art-ober” First Friday event Oct. 6. Despite the less than perfect weather, plenty of artists were happy to be a part of the event.

Maynard Wade, Warsaw, was one of those artists. Wade has been woodworking for a long time, “forever” if you ask him, and creates an assortment of wood crafted dulcimers (which he also plays) and rifles. A retiree, Wade says he makes the products “all the time” now, although he has slowed down since the passing of his wife and fellow crafter Gloria in August. First Friday hasn’t been Wade’s only showcase: he has been selling his work at the Indiana Covered Bridge Festival for 35 years.

Not too far from Wade’s booth was the booth for local artist Sherry Leeman, Pierceton. Leeman has operated an Etsy shop, It’s a Pallet Thing, selling homemade and customized rustic signs since 2016. Every piece is homemade and Leeman’s Etsy promises that she hand paints every piece. It’s a Pallet Thing can also be found on Facebook.

The RedBird Art Studio was back in the VIC for their annual art show. All of the artwork is completely designed by those served by Cardinal Services, with a percentage of every sale going back to the creator. Alongside RedBird in the VIC was Haiti Hungry No More. The group, founded in 2012, helps alleviate hunger by providing lunches, everyday, to roughly 45 kids in four Haitian schools. “Art-ober” was HHNM first art show, featuring Haitian handmade products. All proceeds from sales went to feeding children in Haiti.

Also returning for this year’s October event was Marc Eckel, Warsaw, and his Splat Experience. At 6:45 p.m. Eckel started his painting, completing the piece in about 15 minutes. While Eckel’s work typically depicts a picture of Christ, this year’s painting took a different focus. Designed for the National Day of Prayer, Eckel’s painting featured President George Washington praying. Eckel challenged the audience to kneel in front of the painting once it was complete to take a moment and pray for America and its leaders.