With hand-turned wooden bowls, paintings inspired by the Southwest and handblown glass, the Marion Art Center's annual Arts in the Park on Saturday featured a variety of unique items.

Almost 50 artists set up booths at this year's fair, including 13 new faces.

With his sculptures of recycled and repurposed metal, Stephen Koleshis was a first-timer at the event. After retiring from a 30-year career in sales, Koleshis said he delved into collecting metal items and welding them together.

The sculptor's pieces include shovels with eyes made of spoons and whiskers of forks and birdhouses made from old car parts.

Koleshis said he separates metal pieces into categories and lets the parts dictate what they will be come.

"They talk to you," he said.

Painter Jae Shaughnessy of Plymouth said she was drawn to Arts in the Park after discovering the Marion Art Center a few months ago.

"I came to an abstract exhibit in the dead of winter at the Art Center," she said. "I was so surprised to find this in such a a small town. I felt such a warm welcome."

Many artists said they return to the event each year because of the reception they get from visitors.

"It's just a nice day and you meet so many wonderful people," said painter Alice Shire of Marion. "And you get a boost when people tell you how nice your work is."