If you like your art outdoors and your food on a stick, the Art & Air fair in Webster Groves is the perfect place to get the job done. This high-end art fair features artists from all over the U.S., including several local artists. Painters, sculptors, glass artists, jewelers, photographers, illustrators, textile artists and mixed media artists make for an eclectic experience.

I headed over to the fair on Friday night after work with a grumbling belly and an appetite for art. The first stop on my tour was at the booth of painter and abstract artist, Sharon Spillar. Sharon, a St. Louis artist, impressed me with her Midwestern friendliness and sophisticated collection of paintings. All of her works are sealed with a thick layer or clear lacquer that gives them a glossy sheen and really makes the colors pop. I’d love to snap up one of her paintings for my house.

Next, I met jewelry artist Jaime Jo Fisher from Austin, Texas. As a lover of Austin I couldn’t help but chat her up. Jamie’s work is a little pricey for my Aldi budget, but I really enjoyed it. Her jewelry is modern, chic and her display was really clever with lots of color and big graphic images hung on the wall.

Folk artist Tammy Smith is the brains and creativity behind Homemade Circus. Her collection is a little bit wire sculpture, a little bit mixed media and a little bit old-fashioned diorama; I loved it.

Fiber collage artist, Sarah Shoot had a kooky collection of fiber art that was pure eye candy. All the bright colors and wacky birds made me want to run home and whip up some whimsy. Sarah isn’t from the River City, but she’s just around the bend in Makanda, Illinois.

I chewed the fat with local pottery artist, Renee Heyer-Starrett, on my final stop. Her pottery is contemporary with a retro twist. I wanted every last bit of her kitchy dishes and pottery. Renee is a sweetie and if you’d like to learn the craft from a pro, you can take one of her classes at Krueger’s pottery in Webster.

After gobbling up some art, I meandered over to the row of food tents and scored a chicken kebob from Route 61. The kebob turned out to be not only delicious, but incredibly spicy hot – yum!

While chowing down I watched a legion of strollers cruise by and a parade of canine pals in every size, shape and color. It was a mellow affair -  enjoyable, family and doggie friendly; I’ll be back next year. I didn’t get much of a chance to check out the music, but there sure were a heck of a lot of people crowded near the stage.

Did you get a chance to check out Art & Air? What did you think?

P.S. To lady with the book – a bit of advice – if you want people to buy something or at least consider it, tear yourself away from your book for two seconds to say hi. I’m just sayin’.