Creative Q&A with Palmer artist Vicki Randolph

PALMER — Classy Glass Expressions owner Vicki Randolph recently participated in a question and answer interview to discuss her creative interests and evolution as an artist and what it’s like being a vendor at local venues like Friday Fling.

Q: How long have you been making jewelry?

“Most of my adult life… in some form or another.”

Q: How did you originally get into it in the first place?

“I was making my own and then people liked it, so I started selling it. I’ve always done things with my hands. There’s one thing my mother always had us doing, was crafts, something artsy or craftsy. I’m artsy anyway. I’ve always been that way.”

Q: What’s your process look like?

“I changed my style about 10 years ago, completely changed my jewelry style; and really, it’s done better,” she said with a laugh. “It’s not really time intensive to assemble. The intensity is in the design because no two of my necklaces are the same. So, each one has its own unique design and sometimes I will spend hours designing… We’re all originals, so I want jewelry to be original too… I listen to the feedback, good or bad. I do this because I enjoy it but I also want you to enjoy it.”

Q: What’s it been like running Classy Glass Expressions over the years?

“It’s a business but I don’t call it work. I don’t have a website. I don’t sell online, because that’s work. I do it because I enjoy it and because people like what I do… Anyone who has any artistic intent needs to continue to do it, to keep your mind fresh. I went through a period without making jewelry or doing anything with glass. The whole thing just kind of went on hold… and I realized that was part of what I needed to keep my brain happy and healthy, so I went back to it. The creative side of the brain needs to be fed, and any artist will tell you that.”

Q: What are some of your favorite things about making art in Palmer?

“I love this small town, and it’s an artist town. It’s an artist haven.”

Q: What do you think about Palmer’s pool of local talent?

“I love the artistry here, the variety of artists. Again, it’s a small town and people support each other. That’s part of what I love about a small town.”

Q: Do you participate in other markets aside from Friday Fling?

“Friday Fling is not my main thing. I’m only doing five this year. I did three last year because of COVID and all the other shows were canceled... I don’t normally like doing outdoor markets because of the weather, but I am finding that maybe this is where I really want to go instead of doing big indoor shows… I always do the Garden and Art Fair. I’ve done that for years. I usually do several larger shows in the fall and winter… But, these little outdoor markets, I’m enjoying them. I’m doing well at them. I’m not doing them every weekend. I won’t let it become work.”

Q: What are some other artforms you’ve tried over the years?

“I’ve done painting. I’ve done hot glass, using a torch. I’ve done stained glass. I’ve sewed. I’ve made clothes… Most artists are gonna bounce from one medium to another.”

Q: What do you think of Friday Fling as a venue?

“I like it. It’s a good crowd and it’s a crowd that’s interested in buying. It’s one thing to have a crowd that just looks.. But when people come here, they’re usually ready to spend money. Most of what I sell, most of it goes out on a body. They wear it out. The tourists also seem to like this little market.”

Q: Do you want to come back next year?

“Oh yeah. It’s a great event and it’s well managed. Kudos to the Chamber of Commerce. It’s a nice mix of vendors and food trucks. Doing it here, there’s plenty of room for people to mingle and not feel crowded.”

Classy Glass Expressions creations can be found at several local establishments and at various events throughout the year. For more information, call 907-539-7111 or visit the official Facebook page at facebook.com/ClassyGlassExpressions.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com