This past weekend, on a windy and brisk sunny day, nestled between the bridge and Goshen Brewing Company was the 11th annual Arts on the Millrace, a day full of music, crafts and connections.

The event hosted over 50 regional and local artists alike, with many being Goshen College alumni. Norah Amstutz, a clay potter based in South Bend, was announced as the first place winner.

The event consisted of a line of tents and pop-ups, with everything from graphic t-shirts, many choices of ceramics — with mugs and pots being among the most popular — paintings, photography and other arts and crafts. Live music was also included, with vocals from Daisy and others. 

One of the many talented artists was Jill Bontrager, a Noble county native. She described her art as a “realistic and representational” art style, and her inspiration comes from nostalgia, stating she “draws memories.” 

The booth was packed with vibrant colors of red on cardinals, and yellows of flowers. A journal sat open next to the register. A photo taped to one side and her own drawn rendition on the other. Accompanying the birds and flowers were her drawn memories of barns and front porches. The saturated colors add to her memories, almost mimicking the sweet feelings old memories can carry.

GC students, both current and past, were present among the crowd. Part of the draw for college students is the event’s lack of cost, beyond the art that one purchases. 

“It was really nice to see all of the creative works,” said Alina Bergstresser, a first-year music and psychology double major. “I like to feel like I’m a part of something more.”

“I was able to find a really pretty mug and a postcard to send back home to my parents, which they’ll really enjoy.” said Ella Armstrong, a first year nursing major, while also showing off her newly bought, personalized vinyl in her left hand and a packed brown baggy in her right.

Among the tents, there were many that stuck out, one in particular being Mildred Orama’s. Besides her standout green dress, her portraits of women brought an unique allure to who she is. Women in sleek, bright colored dresses, faceless and facing away, left interpretation open to the passerby.

“I like to paint women because I love to express myself in different ways and different feelings and different moods,” she said. “So I believe that’s my style.”

Orama has spent many years as an artist selling her acrylic, canvas pieces in Northern Indiana and Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to the Goshen’s Art Council website, Orama’s inspiration stems from personal experiences growing up in Puerto Rico, stating that her bright colors and use of the sun are a part of her “contentment.”

Merrill Krabill, a recent retiree from GC’s art program, was among those who helped work the event, stating that it “grows every year,” and that the community always “shows out.”