Much like spring, the Town of Highland is bursting with fresh energy and new initiatives these days. The latest evidence is the Artisan Fair, a series of events featuring the work of local artists that will launch this weekend and continue on select dates throughout the summer and into October on Austin Road in the hamlet of Barryville.

The events are being coordinated by potter Kim Lust in conjunction with the BrookHouse Gallery, which opened in October 2010 near the intersection of routes 97 and 55. Lust is no stranger to such ventures, having organized several successful arts fairs over the past several years.

“There are so many talented artists living in the region, and it’s a great opportunity to see their work,” said Lust.

BrookHouse owner and manager Luiz Aragon said the gallery opened with a core of five area artists, in addition to artist-in-residence David Bush, but that many others have expressed interest. “We began to ask ourselves, ‘how can we expand this?’” said Aragon.

The solution was the Artisan Fair, which will provide local artists the opportunity to share their work on a monthly basis along the street in front of the gallery. Earlier this year, the town approved closure of the quiet road during the fair dates. While the street fair transpires outside, the gallery will host openings featuring various artists.

“Barryville is becoming an art hub for the Upper Delaware,” said Aragon. “By doing this on a regular basis, we hope people will start to link the arts and Barryville.”

In addition to a collaboration featuring pottery by Lust and paintings by John Tomlinson at this weekend’s kickoff, Daria Dorosh’s company, Fashion Lab in Process (FLiP) will present “SUSTAINABLE + SULLIVAN = FASHION.”

Wearable creations by local artists, designers and fashion lovers created on the theme of sustainability will be presented to demonstrate the beauty of re-purposed, one-of-a kind “fashion rescues.” FLiP is collaborating with actor/director Gregory G. Schott, of the Margolis Brown Adaptors and a team of performers who will model the clothing while acting out short dramas written by Schott for the event. The performance will be from 3 to 3:30 p.m. on the porch of the gallery and afterward the garments will be available for purchase. A special selection of the designs will be offered in a silent auction for early bird shoppers.

The thriving location where all these activities will occur is seeing additional growth with the opening of two businesses adjacent to the gallery that will sell wine and local foods and gifts, a new antiques shop and the relocation of the Turner Real Estate office.

Just down Route 97 behind the River Market, the Barryville Farmers Market is also expanding, with the addition of a monthly educational series titled “Farmers Teach,” which will take place at 11 a.m. on select dates. The market will also feature special community performances including NACL Theatre’s family play, “The Little Farm Show,” on August 13 at 12 noon. The market is held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For information about the Artisan Fair contact Aragon at manager@brookhouse or call 845/456-0066.