Artist Creates Tote Bag Designs Inspired By Arlington County Fair

ARLINGTON, VA — A local poet and artist, who goes by able6, has designed tote bags for the upcoming Arlington County Fair, which was first held in the summer of 1977.

Able6 said he wanted to design something special for the county fair.

The Arlington County Fair, which will take place at Thomas Jefferson Community Center from Aug. 16-20, was first held in the summer of 1977 at Washington-Lee High School. The first fair had no rides, but was focused on exhibits, competitions, educational displays and games for kids.

This year, Cole Shows Amusement Company will return to the Arlington County Fair to provide amusement rides, games and food for fair-goers of all ages. The fair's entertainment tent is on the turf field. Seating is provided under a tent, and fair-goers are encouraged to grab food for a picnic and cheer on the performers.

READ ALSO: Artist Creates Bag Inspired By Falls Church Farmers Market

Able6 is a former businessman who worked in consulting and went on to start and sell businesses before focusing on art. The Falls Church Farmers Market recently inspired him to create art for a tote bag.

He has created art that has sold widely from Brooklyn to Bombay. Three months ago, able6 started an Etsy shop for his art.

The aim of the shop isn't simply about selling bags but to "spread love and joy," he said. Bag sales can be designed for specific nonprofits, or any of the artists' bags can be customized for fundraisers or other events.

Able6 said his favorite tote bag designs are a daytime homage to the Arlington County Fair and a nighttime view.

The bags are sourced from environmentally responsible recycled polyester, which is stronger and more flexible than traditional canvas. They are moisture and fade resistant and machine washable.

Able6's bags come in three sizes: small - 13 x 12, fits an ipad and laptop; medium - 16 x 15, fits overdue books to the local library; and large - 18 x 17, for a Trader Joe’s grocery run.

The bags have beautifully boxed corners, fine black inner stitching and transparent hem threading, and black cotton handles.

Customers can send a message to Able6, and he'll customize a tote bag for a business, fundraiser, church, nonprofit, group, or family reunion.

Visit Able6's website to purchase a Night Market At The Arlington County Fair Tote Bag, an Arlington County Fair Tote Bag, or his Etsy shop to browse other items for sale.