Despite the rainy weather, artists and art fans alike gathered at Crossroads Mall Saturday, for the first ever “Art in the Street” fair, put on by Common Folk. Co.

“People want to support local artists,” said Kathryn Straub, owner of Common Folk Co. “And they’re doing that here.”

Organized by Straub, the fair featured the work of 19 local artists, most of whom heard about the fair from friends who regularly visit the store. While this year’s fair was relatively small, Straub says she hopes to expand the fair next year.

“We actually had to start turning artists away because we didn’t have any more room for tents,” Straub said.

Barbara Cavanaugh, owner and designer of Badgebling heard about the fair after having sold Straub one of her products. A flight attendant for Alaska Airlines, Cavanaugh has been making bedazzled, Swarovski crystal-encrusted retractable badge clips for approximately three years.

“If you have to wear a badge every day, you might as well make it fun,” Cavanaugh said.

In addition to selling her products at local art fairs, Cavanaugh’s badge clips can be found at the gift shop at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle – and via her online store at Etsy.com. She said she is looking forward to next year’s “Art in the Street” fair.

Seattle-based milliner, Mikele Keiffer, of tuzziemuzzie.com, was another artist featured at Saturday’s fair. Known for her elaborate and fun fascinator-style hats and headbands, Keiffer joined the fair just two days ago, after having stopped by Common Folk Co. and seeing a flyer.

“I was a little worried about the rain, but it’s been really fun,” Keiffer said.

And the rain didn’t seem to keep her hats from being a hit, as a number of vendors and attendees were seen sporting her glamourous headpieces throughout the day.

Also unique to the “Art in the Street” fair was the intimate, neighborhood feel.

“Most of the customers know the vendors because they told us about them,” Straub said, amidst chatting with friends and offering up a variety of treats from New York Cupcakes and Midori Cake Boutique.

And while Straub hopes to double the number of vendors in the future, this casual, homegrown approach, is something she hopes to maintain next year.

Other vendors featured at this year’s fair included SuStudio Jewelry, Happy Hollis Design and Jean Pratt Beuoy. Artists interested in showing in next year’s fair should contact Straub at Common Folk Co.; 15600, NE 8th Street, Ste. A5 or (425)747-4100.