Artalicious had a savory turnout over the weekend as artists and craftsmen set up stands along East Maumee Street and North Main Street. Countless artworks, community organizations, crafts and jewelry were showcased to interested patrons exploring what Adrian’s creative flair had to offer.

I live in an apartment that overlooks East Maumee Street, so I had front row seats to the hustle and bustle that started Friday evening and officially ended late Saturday evening. While I was unable to explore the scene Friday due to work, I visited Artalicious on Saturday.

Even though it rained until 2 p.m., many people were still checking out the stands with family and friends. As soon as the rain ceased and the clouds parted, that’s when the streets really became populated and lively. I walked out onto North Main Street and before I could start from the beginning one stand immediately caught my attention. Me&T is owned by Karen Bolander, hailing from Delta, Ohio. I’m a sucker for homemade soaps and bath bombs and just had to check out the colorful array of bath bombs neatly displayed on the rack before me.

I was able to have a short interview with Bolander, and learned that this is the third year her business has been at Artalicious. I asked her what inspired her to start her business, and she said, “I’ve been in the soap making industry for eight years. I bought a bar of homemade soap and I thought I could make my own Initially it started out to support my hobby, and then it grew into, hopefully, an early retirement project”

Me&T didn’t take any shortcuts when it came to making their soap, either. Their soap products are vegan, certified cruelty free, fair-trade and palm free. I’ve been mulling over going vegan for a while, so I was immediately sold on their natural ethics. I ended up purchasing the H.O.G. 2 soap bar after standing there for a solid minute enjoying the refreshing citrus scent.

I explored the rest of the fair after that. I really loved the Mighty are the Meek and Courageous Are the Cunning animal constellation art pieces from Gabrielle Taphouse’s stand. There was also a tent that had buckets full of geodes laid out in front – you got to pick out a geode then choose whether you wanted it cracked open or not. Obviously I wanted to see what was inside the three geodes I chose, and unfortunately, all of them turned out to be plain white. I know a little girl behind me got a geode with bright blue coloring on the inside.

Artalicious was an amazing experience. There was so much I wanted to purchase, but overall I was fine with just looking and enjoying the atmosphere. I know that I will definitely be coming back next year.