This past weekend, we participated in the Statesboro Art Festival in Statesboro, Georgia. First, let me say the SFA team was so hospitable and did an amazing job with their accommodations for artists who exhibited at the venue. Especially taking such good care of us with help, information, water, and snacks.
Many talented artist displayed their 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional work. The weather was perfect, and there was a lot of foot traffic. I saw many art lovers stroll by with their purchases, with an array of styles and techniques to choose from.
The new 10 x 10 tent we purchased gave me much more space to exhibit artwork in my portable art gallery, which I was pleased with. Having side walls on three sides shaded me and my visitors from the sun. I enjoy conversations with visitors and appreciate it when they ask questions, comment on certain pieces, or express admiration for the colors and designs. The small bee paintings were a favorite!
Having my books on display became another topic of conversation. Teachers, especially, gravitated towards Quail’s Crazy Quilt, a non-fiction picture book on the habitat of Bobwhite Quail. I was thrilled beyond belief that this small book caught their eye, with the original oil pastel illustrations hanging above.
Readers of historical fiction purchased Once Upon a Pickett and Song of Jaybird. I was happy to let them know I did most of my research for Song of Jaybird in Georgia, especially because the state has done a wonderful job preserving its turpentine history. Georgia Southern University is in Statesboro, and the Herty Pines Nature Preserve is on its campus, in honor of Dr. Charles Herty, who invented the “Herty cups” for collecting sap from longleaf pine.
Another neat connection was meeting a gentleman who was friends with a man who owned a turpentine farm in Patterson, Georgia. As we were talking, I said, " This sounds so familiar!” Sure enough, it was the Griner Family, whom we visited several years ago when researching for Song of Jaybird. Diamond G Forest Products uses a sustainable extraction “bore hole” method, and resin is collected in slender bags. Another circle made!
Once Upon A Pickett caught the attention of a woman who volunteered for an archeological group. I found her story so interesting because they work to preserve Native American history and sites from the American Revolution. When she learned I was a teenager who witnessed the archeological dig at Fort Cooper, she was happy to share her experiences with me.
Whenever I got the chance, I visited with some of the other artist, and we spoke of techniques used in their work. One artist used resin, another used art-quality sandpaper for oil pastels, and another used Bodhi leaves for painting. He prepared the surface with gesso before painting amazing watercolors, one of which I could not resist. I can not wait to hang this beautiful, small painting of koi in brilliant colors when I return home.
Over the two-day event, a variety of musicians performed on stage, from classical, folk, Hindu sitar, and country, creating an enjoyable atmosphere at the venue.
I am so thankful for this opportunity and appreciate everyone who visited my booth and those who purchased paintings, drawings, books, and signed up for the Art and Books Newsletter.
What do you enjoy when you attend an art festival, and have you taken the time to visit with artists? What has been your experience? Please feel free to leave your comments below.
