A closer look at some of Karla Staley's purses.

Jessica Webster | AnnArbor.com

When you pass Karla Staley's booth on East Liberty Street between Maynard and State streets in the State Street Area Art Fair, the first thing you might notice are what appear to be Broadway musical playbills hanging at an angle. But when you look more closely, you see that they've been made into purses, with the Playbill cover on the front; the title page, with credits, on the back; and often, a cast list on the bottom.

Among the pre-teen-girl-friendly shows featured were "Wicked," "Legally Blonde," "Mary Poppins," "Jersey Boys," "Cats," and "Phantom." And of course, since all things targeted at young girls now involve "Twilight," covers from different books in that series are featured on additional purses.

"It's here!" two young women, accompanied by their mother, said when they found the booth. "We blew a wad here last year," one said, reminding each other, and the artist, what they'd bought, and which were given as gifts.

There were, of course, other things featured on Staley's work (her card includes a photo of a cute Scrabble board bag, and a Barry Manilow album cover graced one bag on display). But generally, it's clear this is an artist who knows her audience.

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.