Community Corner

5 New Things at Royal Oak Clay, Glass & Metal Show

There's something for all ages downtown this weekend, from quality art to hands-on opportunities.

The Clay, Glass & Metal Show takes over Washington Avenue in Royal Oak this weekend with 115 artists and 25,000 patrons expected to visit downtown for this one-of-a-kind art festival.

The event heats up downtown Royal Oak, literally, because fire is used to manipulate all the art, according to Jennifer Clark, director of events for the Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event.

"The Clay, Glass & Metal Show has lots of energy," Clark said.

The two-day art fair continues to evolve each year. Here are five new things to experience this year:

1. New art and artists 

This year 125 artists, many of them new, will bring their distinctive types of art to the Clay, Glass & Metal show. With all those artists, visitors can expect a vast variety of types of art, from glass lamps to clay tiles and metal jewelry. Shoppers can expect art priced from $20-$2,000.   

2. New demonstrations

Look for new glass blowing, metal working and pottery wheel demonstrations this year. Artists will be giving demonstrations that allow people to learn about all the work that goes into making the art, and encourage them to try it for themselves, Clark said.  

3. New food vendors

"We've added a few new food vendors to make it fun," Clark said. Enjoy Motor City Franks, the Tawas Bay Fudge Company and Terry’s Tastee Treats. The Michigan Candy Company will offer its unique licorice, while A Different Twist Pretzel Bakery brings another yet another option to hungry art lovers.

4. Check out new businesses in downtown Royal Oak, too

While you are at the show, be sure to wander around downtown Royal Oak. "We're a welcoming event," Clark said. "We try not to take over the city. We want people to shop and eat while they are here." Many retailers will have sales this weekend, she said. Patrons may also want to check out some of Royal Oak's new restaurants, including Hamlin Corner, located at 386 N. Main St.  and 212, located at 212 Fifth Avenue.

5. No music this year

There will be no bands this year. "We are totally focused on art this year," Clark said.

If you go

What: Royal Oak Clay, Glass & Metal Show
When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Washington Avenue from Fourth Street to Lincoln Avenue


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here