Wood carvings by Irv Brownstein and Bob Franza, including relief and in the round

The 10th annual Arts and Crafts Festival hosted Saturday by the Del Webb's Spruce Creek Golf and Country Club Arts and Crafts League was proof the seniors at the adult community lead an active and productive life.

The event turned the Horizon Center Ballroom into a bazaar reminiscent of a town square or fairground where crowds turn out to admire the handiwork of artisans - friends, neighbors and fellow seniors - who have found new avenues of creativity and self expression, or expanded and rekindled old ones.

The league's more than 300 members learn, teach, share and support one another. Classes are taught by members or professionals from the area. A craft room in the community center offers communal work space, with an array of tools and two kilns for baking ceramics, pottery and other handiwork.

"We have really talented people," said league president Mike Johnson. "I'm amazed every time we have one of these events at the stuff that comes out; such creative people."

He marveled at the mediums represented: "Needle craft, fine art, jewelry, ceramics, woodcarving, knitting and crocheting, basketry, quilting and more."

Johnson also pointed out some of the good work the group does for the greater community,

"Our needle crafters do beautiful work for the hospital making hats for cancer victims, and next week we are doing a fundraiser for The Community Gratitude Food Bank in Ocklawaha," he said.

While the festival serves as an outlet for exhibitors to connect with the SCGCC community and see their work enjoyed, the primary mission is to raise funds for Hospice of Marion County, the league's chosen charity.

Adding to the "fair like" quality, raffle tickets were sold at the door and Gene Ryan announced winners throughout the event. Prizes included donations from each of the 51 exhibitors and gift certificates from a number of local businesses.

According to event chairwoman Mary Ann Schuyler, proceeds from table rentals, the raffle and a hot dog/hamburger lunch amounted to $2,066 donated to hospice.

"I like coming to these; it's one of the nicer things we do," said Joyce McGrath, a former HOA board member. "It's a great place to buy Christmas gifts."

There were rows of tables filled with beautiful items, such as:

Linda Lingenfelter's crocheted purses from grocery bags and sparkling belts from aluminum pop tops.

Carol Pardell's pine needle baskets with bottoms made from wood carvings, jewelry, seashells or other items, which are then boiled in bees wax and paraffin

Billie Capps' etched and painted gourds; decorative bottles and ceramics.

Emmalou Huston's pastel oil and water color paintings of angels and children.

Joyce Kudron's ornamental jewelry designs, with help from Donna Mould.

Harley Olson's tiny cartoon-like animals and characters in "sculpy clay."

Wood carvings by Irv Brownstein and Bob Franza, including relief and in the round.

Tom Hargarten surveyed the room while his wife, Ginny, did some serious shopping.

"Beautiful, very artistic; there is so much talent here," he said.

Exhibitor Bernice Wernick, who does scrap booking, among other crafts, said, "I feel like I live at summer camp ... and this is arts and crafts!"