Meet Crabapple Fest Artist Larry Cook

Editor's note: Patch has reached out to the four artists who will be making an appearance at this weekend's Crabapple Fest, which will be held Saturday in downtown Crabapple. 

This will be Larry Cook's first year participating in Crabapple Fest. Cook, 65, who is retired from a career in law enforcement, has sold at other shows in the area, and said he's looking forward this weekend's event. 

1. Is this your first year at Crabapple Fest? This is the first year that I will be participating in the Crabapple Fest. I usually have an event in Seaside, Florida, an the same. I have decided not to travel as much anymore and stay local. I have known of Crabapple Fest for a long time. I have always wished that I could do this show, so after some soul searching, I applied and was accepted. Having done many shows in Alpharetta, I am well aware of the market and warm reception that is given in this area. A phrase that is used in this business when you have had a profitable show is that you have been 'Shown the Love'. Well, this area has always shown me much love!

2. What will you have on display? I will have a mix of antiques, such as old pottery and glassware and what-nots. I will have vintage porch gliders and chairs, and I will have folk art that I make from recycled objects. 

You will always find people that make coat racks at any fair or festival. I, too, make some, but mine are designed to make you think. I try to add historical elements to mine. Think of them as conversation starters. Your guest walk in the front door, hang up their coats/hats and see one of my creations. Some reflect the dark history of this country during slavery, some are whimsical, some are heartwarming, but not one of the is bland!

Almost anyone over the age of 30 will remember the old porch gliders and chairs. If they have never owned one, then certainly their grandparents did. I get many stories that start,"My Grandmother's glider was paint......"

As for the folk art, I am a hoarder who is disguised as an artist. My Mother lived through the Great Depression and never, never threw anything away. Her generation was into recycling before it got its name. I try to do the same. I always drive a truck until it is ready for the junk yard. It is folly to get rid of something that still has service. 

3. What is unique about what you will have on display? My bead board art, coat racks, and other handmade pieces are one-of-a-kind. I also do commissioned custom pieces for my customers, who want their own personality to show through in the things in their homes.

4. Can you tell me about yourself? I am 65 years old (although I think I am still a kid). I am retired from law enforcement. My late wife of 35 years and I have always dabbled in arts and crafts and took many lessons over the years. In 1994, she left the (United States) Post Office, and I left law enforcement to pursue other things. She bought into a store that had a range from junk to antiques, with antiques being her passion. I went to work for her, applying my knowledge of repair and refinishing. Business was slow in the small town of Hogansville, where I was born and raised, so we took the 'show on the road' as the say and started selling at the old Lakewood Fair Grounds. This was great, but only once a month, so we quickly found other shows and festivals to fill our calendars. Somewhere along the way I noticed people making things that I could make and I put my own spin on them and added this to our antiques. Up until the time that she passed away in 2009, we had been everywhere in the south doing shows. After her death, I reconnected to a childhood friend I had not seen in 40 years or more, later we married and moved into her home in Sugar Hill. I have lived in this area for about 2 years. although I have done shows in this area for many years.

5. Why do you think Crabapple Fest continues to be successful? Crabapple continues to be successful for several reasons. First and foremost, they have a staff that knows what they are doing. You have to know how to organize, advertise, promote, and skillfully deal with the problems of the vendors. This show strives to have only the best in merchandise for the customers to choose from. They keep the fees reasonable for the vendors and they are 'vendor friendly' in every aspect. I can tell from my communications with them, that this is their passion, and when you have a passion there are not limits to what you will do or accomplish.

6. Why should people come out to the event? People should come to this event because there, in one location, will be the best of the best in almost every category of antiques, collectibles, vintage, art, off-the-wall, etc. There will be activities for the kids, foods that you only find at these events. If we are blessed with a typical fall day, there will be magic in the streets of Crabapple!