Musical performance appeals to all

BOOTH R-03

Jen Smith doesn't exactly remember the last time she and her husband from the band Naked Blue performed in State College.

"Maybe 2000," Smith said.

Her head was clouded not with bad memories from that year's Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, but because she had done so many shows over the last eight years.

In fact, Smith said the band sold a record number of CDs after its last performance in State College.

"It seems like such a music-oriented festival," Smith said. "The people who put it on really seem to enjoy listening to the music and the audience as well."

The folk/pop duo will play at noon July 10.

Naked Blue's fifth and most recent CD, Five by Five, was released in 2003. Hailing from the Baltimore area, Naked Blue's live performances incorporate witty, fun stage banter to add extra intrigue, Smith said.

The Smiths said their music appeals to no specific age range. They often see faces in the crowd of all ages.

Sisters travel the world, showcase collection of ocean-themed jewelry made with trinkets from abroad

BOOTH A-55

Leslie Walker recently circled the globe, traveling to destinations such as India, South Africa, Spain and the Seychelles islands.

Unlike language and currency, the sailing aspect of her trip was an easy adjustment. Leslie and her sister Ellen spent much of their childhood on the ocean before moving to State College.

The sisters love to travel to various beaches all over the world, collecting seashells and other treasures from the ocean. And this weekend, they will bring a taste of the beach to the 42nd annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. During this year's Arts Festival, the sisters will share a booth for the third straight year. They will show off their collection of ocean-themed jewelry, including jewelry made with shells they found in Thailand.

"We really embrace the ocean theme," Leslie Walker said. "It's a place we find calming, relaxing, but also re-energizing at the same time."

The sisters combine their treasures, to form what is similar to a collage. The treasures include their individual creations, antique pieces and articles from their family history, such as their grandmother's buttons.

One bracelet the sisters will have on display this weekend features more than 50 one-of-a-kind antique charms, with a link specially designed by Leslie.

The exotic jewelry starts at $28 and can reach up to $295 per accessory.

"It's like going around the world," Leslie said of their pieces. "Everything we make has a story behind it."

Artist's jewelry display reminds people of candy

BOOTH A-18

Dawn Benedetto has never been to State College for the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, but she said her bright-colored jewelry should have no problem attracting customers' eyes.

"It's just like candy," Benedetto said. "People can't make up their mind because there's so many colors."

Benedetto is best known for her Poppi ring, a sterling silver glass ring that fits everyone. She also uses bright colors in her jewelry to make it fun and trendy.

Despite this being Benedetto's first time at the Arts Festival, she is well aware of the festival's high reputation.

Benedetto will feature tactile lucite rings made from a popular acrylic resin. The rings come in many bright colors. She is most proud to show these accesoriesto this week. When people look at them, they can't help but want to eat them, she said.

Most of her accessories sell for less than $100. Prices can reach up to $200 with a few models selling for even more.

-- Compiled by Nate Mink