Area residents will have the opportunity to view a variety of artwork -- from painting to glassblowing -- during the Jewish Community Center's arts and crafts fair.

This is the seventh year for the event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, in the JCC's lobby and other rooms at the center, 1125 College Ave.

The free event, formerly known as the holiday bazaar, was changed to an arts and crafts fair in hopes of generating additional foot traffic and increasing sales for local artists, said event chairwoman Dana Zager.

"This year we decided to take a risk and actually work toward creating an arts and craft fair," she said. "It is like nothing offered before."

The arts and crafts fair is sponsored by the JCC's early childhood program, with proceeds going toward preschool program materials or financial assistance for preschool, Zager said.

At least 40 artists are expected to participate in the fair, she said, and the event is drawing interest from artists outside of central Ohio.

The work of Lisa Goldberg, a former Ohio resident and owner of Lighten Up Design in New York City, will be featured. She makes ceramic lamps and vases, Zager said.

Another artist featured in the show is Toledo resident Tara Hubbard, who is known for the handbags that she creates out of interesting fabrics, Zager said.

The show also will feature Ruby Rose Studio, owned by artists Lisa Cain of German Village and Jennifer Belt of Bexley.

"Our work consists of custom made wooden canvases," Cain said. "The beauty of the work is the texture. We have multi-layers of metallics, plasters, stones and stains."

Belt said the artists started participating in the art show circuit this summer. They have been working together for about a year.

A glassblower since 1981, Bexley resident Larry Tuber used to participate in art shows all over the country. He was asked to participate in the JCC art show because his children attend JCC day care, he said.

"Dana is trying to improve the quality of the work from the past," he said. "I think she is trying to build it into a quality art show."

One of the exciting elements of this year's art show is the raffle, Zager said. Each artist is being asked to contribute one piece of art to the raffle. Raffle tickets are $5 per individual or five tickets for $20, she said. The drawing will be held during the art show.

tstubbs@thisweeknews.com