ARTIST PROFILE: Virginia Buda Buda admits that Artlandia is not a new concept, “There are shows like it everywhere. Just “google” arts and craft shows and you’ll find a plethora of events that span from regional to international shows; however, what you never see advertised, for obvious reasons, are private home shows, which is where the idea of this event began.” Buda was first introduced to the idea of these home craft shows when two sisters who live in her neighborhood invited her to come to their home. “Walking into a home infused with well-crafted and beautiful handmade arts and crafts pieces was a pleasure. It wasn’t just about what I could buy though, it was about the sense of home and community that they had created in their cottage.” After she attended another home craft show Virginia Buda was hooked on the idea that these small craft shows could be brought to the larger public. When she and her husband lived in Charlotte, and before they had children, Buda admits that they were able to take in any sort of music or art scene that they wanted. Upon having children and giving up her job to stay at home with them however, she realized that a large part of her life was simply inaccessible and that left a void. “I felt disconnected from the things that were of personal interest to me and that was hard to deal with,” so the idea of creating something that will bring people together over the love of arts and crafts is what really gets Buda going these days. She strives to ensure that everyone who wants to be involved can be and that the public is given a glimpse into a world that is special to her and to so many others. Artlandia always takes place on the first weekend of November right before the Christmas shopping season begins so that those who attend are able to purchase unique gifts for friends and loved ones. This year’s show, located at The Charles in downtown Johnson City, will feature over thirty artists who are all specialists in their crafts which are unique and not mass-produced. The event is not directly connected with any business organization, however community supporters like Kate Van Huss, from Earth Fare and William Bailey of The Charles have made this road much easier to travel on. “They connect with people like me and, in turn, are providing an opportunity for artists to reach out to the public through these types of shows which strengthen community,” Buda explains. Virginia Buda takes a moment to ponder what she has done so far and where she wants to go with her artistic endeavors. I ask her what she is thinking about. “Community,” she replies. “I’m surrounded by people, in this area, who strive for these same goals and who continue to inspire me to make a positive difference.” The perfect comment from a person who strives so hard to bring joy to lives of others through the simplicity, the complexity, and the sheer awesomeness of hand-made and home-made art. Find Virginia Buda on facebook: artlandiajc or email vbudadesigns@gmail.com for more information.
86 | VIPSEEN | OCTOBER 2013
LOOK FOR
DOUGIE-FRESH (AKA DOUG BUDA), PARTNER FOR LIFE
VIRGINIA’S
NEW EVENT,
YUM-YUM,
INTERNATIONAL
TAPAS IN THE
SPRING OF 2014. {Proceeds go towards a public art project in Southside Neighborhood the tree streets.}
OFELIA SALAZAR, “MAMI” LATIN ENERGIZER BUNNY WHO LOVES ME - FOR ME
WANDA BUDA, MOTHER-IN-LAW AND TREE STREETS UNSUNG HERO.