VillageFest board approves new vendors, debates 75% handmade rule and origin of sticker art

The VillageFest Board on March 10 approved a slate of new vendors for the 2025 VillageFest season after listening to on-site demonstrations and debating the festival’s long-standing handmade standard.

The board approved applications from a range of artisans and small vendors, including Liz Craig (hand-knotted jewelry and ‘loomlins’), a stickers-and-buttons vendor offering on‑the‑spot printing, woodworking by Richard Fresco, concrete vessels by Jane Roberts, a horticulture student selling propagation arrangements and succulents, and Wendell’s World Country Sugar Scrub. The board also cleared a promotional kiosk application from the Revolution Stage Company.

Why it matters: VillageFest is positioned as an artisan market that prioritizes handmade goods. Board members repeatedly referenced a guideline that at least 75% of an item’s retail value should be made by the vendor. That standard shaped discussions about necklaces and digitally‑prepared designs during the meeting.

What the board voted on and decided: The group held separate presentations for each applicant. After questions and brief deliberations, the board moved and voted to approve each applicant; Chair Roberts called voice/roll-call votes after motions and seconds.

On jewelry: Liz Craig, who said she runs “Liz Craig jewelry” and is a psychologist by trade, told the board she hand‑knots necklaces and sells shell ornaments and holiday pieces. Board members asked for proof that pieces meet the 75% handmade rule and whether photos or videos of the making process were available. “I sent them all in,” Ms. Craig said, adding she could provide images and that the knotting is time‑consuming.

On stickers and buttons: Presenters described designing, laminating and printing stickers and buttons on site, including Palm Springs‑themed designs. A board member raised concerns about signs of AI usage in some images. “There are clear signs of AI work in it,” one board member said during questioning. The presenter replied that original drawings are the starting point and that designs are hand‑drawn before being digitized for printing.

On larger and specialty pieces: Woodworker Richard Fresco explained that many of his reclaimed‑pallet pieces and large clocks are not easily portable; the board encouraged him to offer smaller, saleable items in addition to larger commissioned pieces. Jane Roberts described concrete planters and vessels made with a lighter, fiber‑reinforced mix; members complimented the aesthetic and craft.

On plant and scrub vendors: A 20‑year‑old horticulture vendor described propagation arrangements and small succulents grown in a college greenhouse. Wendy Kushel, owner of Wendell’s World Country Sugar Scrub, demonstrated her sugar‑scrub formulas, said she uses a commercial kitchen to produce batches, and described interactive booth elements. The board discussed compliance and labeling; staff confirmed products would be produced offsite in a commercial facility.

Procedural notes and next steps: Staff will retain vendor application materials and the board requested that vendors be prepared to show evidence (photos/videos or originals) if the origin of artwork is questioned. Revolution Stage Company was approved for a promotional kiosk to raise awareness about its season; its development director said the organization is pursuing a city sign match grant.

Votes at a glance: Each vendor was approved by the board in separate motions and roll‑call/voice votes called by the Chair. (Transcript records a voice or roll‑call approval for each application; the board asked vendors to retain or provide origin/provenance materials if questions about originality arise.)

The meeting closed after staff updates on marketing, vendor compliance and a community picnic planned for March 21 at Ruth Hardy Park.