30 May 16 • 2019
jn
fairs & festivals
arts&life
F
or Jill Kahrnoff Dunn, showing
her jewelry designs in Michigan
is a homecoming. This is the
state where she grew up and still has
close relatives.
A participant in the Kalamazoo
Institute of Arts Fair (June 7-8 in
Bronson Park) and the Orchard
Lake Fine Art Fair (July 27-28 in
West Bloomfield), Dunn also is glad
to display the results of her second
career.
A resident of Indiana since 1976,
Dunn has lived in Southfield, attend-
ing services at Temple Israel, and
in East Lansing, graduating from
Michigan State University. Her first
professional commitments served
people with special needs; she taught
art classes and was CEO of a rehabil-
itation center.
Art techniques, studied in college,
once again have claimed her atten-
tion in a new way after retirement
from her original focus. She went
from painting to making jewel-
ry with the help of classes at the
Indianapolis Art Center and watch-
ing YouTube demonstrations.
“I love lifelong learning,” Dunn
says. “And I love mixing metals —
brass, sterling silver, copper and
gold.” She also adds colorful stones.
Among her varied pieces — ear-
rings, necklaces and bracelets — are
those that hold Jewish stars and
Chai symbols. These Judaic pieces
are often formed from copper with a
blue patina.
“I’
m using more etching in my
designs and introducing rings,” says
the artist, who works under the name
Jill Dunn Designs, formerly Lily Lane
Designs. “I also use some new enam-
eling techniques. Everything I make
is individually completed.”
Dunn, who travels to nearly 10 art
fairs each season, visits with mom
Elaine Baker, who lives at Hechtman
Apartments in West Bloomfield, and
sister Cindy Kahrnoff of Commerce
Township when she gets to Michigan.
On the following page is a listing
of this season’
s popular outdoor art
fairs around the state. Each event
usually has additional draws, such
as food vendors, entertainment and
special activities from demonstra-
tions to competitive sports.
Before heading out, art enthusiasts
are advised to check the appropriate
website for any changes in scheduling
or activities. As examples, those long
attending the Greater Farmington
Time for
Art!
Michigan’
s outdoor
art fairs kick off
this month.
SUZANNE CHESSLER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Examples of Dunn’
s jewelry
See paintings by Denise Cassidy Wood of
Northville at the Birmingham Street Art Fair,
Sept. 14-15.
Look for baskets by Helen Springer of Milford
at the Birmingham Street Art Fair, Sept. 14-15,
and at the Royal Oak Art Fair, Nov. 21-22.