Celebrating 75 years, the Village of Yesteryear is an exhibit that demonstrates traditional handicraft and heritage skills. Held every year at the N.C. State Fair, the village has featured more than 100 artists and crafters creating, displaying and selling time-honored handmade crafts. “A Maker’s Dozen” is a series that tells the stories of these artisans and educates about their heritage crafts.
“It just gives me a great feeling to inspire others to do their passion,” said Walter Creech, an oil and watercolor painter. Born in Fort Belvoir, Virginia into a military family, he has always been passionate about artistry. “Even when I was a little kid, I always enjoyed drawing. In high school, I even won a few awards for them,” he said. Creech has been a part of the Village of Yesteryear for 25 years.
Creech spent his childhood traveling the globe during his father’s military service. Following his father’s retirement after the Vietnam War, the family settled in the Cedar Cliff community of Alamance County. Creech and his wife continue to reside in the area today, living near Saxapahaw.
“My artistic journey truly began at Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida,” said Creech. “I had enrolled there right out of high school when I was nineteen. It was a three-year school at the time, where only 450 people attended. At the end of my freshman year, I had to decide between commercial arts or fine arts. I chose commercial art under the advice of my mentor. I did commercial arts for 20 years.”
Commercial art is created specifically to promote, sell or advertise products, services or brands. Unlike fine art, which focuses on self-expression and creative vision, commercial art is bought by businesses to serve marketing roles. “I moved to computers after marketing went digital,” said Creech. “But I had always wanted to paint more. Then one day, I did.”
“I remember doing my first oil painting as a freshman in college. I didn’t work with watercolor until after graduating,” said Creech. Oil paintings use oil-like paint that dries slower but offers more texture and easy blending of colors. Watercolor paintings use water-based paint on paper, provided a lightweight and transparent canvas.
“Once I started painting again, I couldn’t stop. I began to paint full time,” said Creech. “As for me, I am a workaholic. I built my own house, workshop and gallery. To start my work as a painter, I first sketch it out on paper. I usually have a sketchpad with me next to my bed in case I get an idea suddenly. What’s most important isn’t if it’s a watercolor or oil painting, but the perspective and the angle that is to be painted. I want the detail to be perfect. After a sketch, I go from there.”
“My biggest reward is seeing other’s reactions to my work,” said Creech. “I am inspired by art, so I developed the talent. I like to see the fruits of my work bring joy and inspiration to others the very same way it brought joy and inspiration to me. That, is likely the most rewarding thing.”
The only annual event Creech participates in is the Village of Yesterday. Although, he is completing a gallery to showcase his work. “I have also invited several fellow craftsmen from the Village of Yesteryear to join me,” he said. “My hope is that this gallery serves as a meaningful extension of the Village of Yesteryear experience.”
“My favorite part of the State Fair is the exhibits,” said Creech. “I particularly enjoy the flower show, as it offers wonderful inspiration for my paintings and provides numerous ideas for home landscaping. The antique farm equipment is another significant highlight.”
Creech is grateful for his 25 years of being a part of the Village of Yesteryear and wish he had started sooner. “It is a phenomenal place with incredible public exposure. I have built a dedicated following through the Village of Yesteryear and love it when people come to visit. The other craftsmen are all so interesting and kind, and the level of individuality here is truly exceptional. If you haven’t been yet, you really need to go.”