Tattoo You Jazz Fest rookie: Theresa Honeywell of Jacksonville, Fla., says that she stands out in a crowd because of her hot pink hair, not her tattoos. In fact, she doesn't have any. Which is surprising considering the 32-year-old artist's specialty is creating thread tattoos on fabric with a custom "rigged" sewing machine. She says her complex tapestries are "all lacy and kind of pretty" in contrast with the macho skin art that inspires them. Based on photos of her work, Honeywell is the most promising newcomer of the first weekend. And her prices -- $160 to $3,000 -- seem right. Contemporary Crafts, Tent I.
Bird House Wizard: Maybe it was Robert Plant's elfin aura that inspired the 2008 Jazz Fest craft judges to declare Brownsboro, Texas, artist Joseph Hopps' Tolkienesque birdhouses to be awarded best in show. More likely it was Hopps' wit and attention to detail. Asked how long it takes to build one of his folkloric birdhouses, Hopps, 64, answered laughing: "It depends on what I was doing the night before." However long they take, Hopps' creations seem well worth the $249 to $550 price tags. Contemporary Crafts, Tent K. Attention Post-K Shoppers: Thibodaux artist David Bergeron's patchwork pastel picture frames, jewelry boxes and furniture would be wonderful whatever they were made of. But knowing that the painted wooden parts were salvaged from torn-down Louisiana homes lends his work a special resonance to those of us who have seen too many torn-down homes. Bergeron, 37, who has shown his work at five fests, emphasizes the environmental aspects of recycled lumber: "If I didn't make a picture frame out of it, it would be in a landfill." Indeed. Prices range from $20 to $800. Highly recommended. Louisiana Marketplace, Tent F.
Catch a Rising Star: Jazz Fest has played a role in the rise of New Orleans art star Terrence Osborne. His 2007 poster depicting the Rebirth Brass Band was the best-selling Congo Square poster ever, according to Osborne, 34, who has appeared at 11 Jazz Fests. That high-profile success was quickly followed by another, when the Nike sportswear company hired him to design a poster, limited edition shoes, and a store window display in 2008. Which inspired the New Orleans Hornets to hire him to design a poster for their 2008-2009 season. It's easy to see how the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts graduate's appealing cartoonish style will lead him ever further toward the artistic big time. Look out, George Rodrigue and James Michalopoulos. Prices: $50 to $50,000. Congo Square demonstration tent.
