By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor
The Chilton County Art Show saw several new artists participating as vendors this year on July 16.
For Jael Wall of Shelby County, the festival was a way to sell her art before opening her store next month.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things in my Facebook community about the art festival here,” Wall said of why she wanted to attend.
She said she was “really impressed with … so many vendors.”
Wall said she started her business two months ago and “does a little bit of everything,” including commissioned paintings and customized items.
The celebration was the first ever for Kathy Hale in Andalusia after her enjoyment of candles turned it into a hobby and started making it six months ago. Hale says she enjoys all the scent possibilities she has when creating candles. During the event, she enjoyed talking with other vendors.
Gabrielle Briggins, 16, said she was using the festival to “test the waters” to see how people would respond to her paintings and handmade jewelry.
Her interest in painting came from watching her grandmother.
Returning vendors have created a mix of familiar work and new selections.
For Dan Modak of Shelby, it was his second time bringing his art to the festival. He said he’s glad the event is indoors, “so it’s not affected by the weather.”
“(There’s) a lot of different vendors, so you never know what you’re going to see,” Modak said.
He also said that the coordinators were very good.
Robin Griffin returned with her pots.
“It’s a lot of fun to play with clay,” she said.
Griffin began his pursuit of pot after checking a container his friend was not using.
The Chilton County Arts Festival is just one of the annual events held by the Chilton County Arts Council. The council has increased activities this year, including Quest Art events on the first Friday of each month. It is also planning another art festival in October. More information is available at chiltoncountyartscouncil.com.
