Montevallo Embraces Local Artists

By: Kayla Hackett

                               

Montevallo hosted its 8th Annual Arts Festival this past Saturday, April 12th.  The festival featured over 50 talented artists, and had a wide variety of art for sale. Many of the artists were all local, and even a few from the University.

Orr Park, Montevallo AL

The Festival brought the community together, and gave local artists the chance to share their work, and make a few dollars.

The beautiful day was spent enjoying live music, fun activities for the kids, and of course, amazing art. There was everything from paintings, to word works, and even golf balls with faces hand carved into them!

All of the artists set up their work throughout the park under tents, and some were even putting on demonstrations for the crowd. Thanks to all of the sponsors, the Festival was a success.

Blue Phrog Gallery, Montevallo AL

 One of the local sponsors, the Blue Phrog Gallery,
features several of the artists in their gallery that were in the Festival. They support local, and outside artists by selling their art work free of charge in their gallery.

The gallery is located on Main Street Montevallo, and is a great place to see the talented works of Montevallo's art community. The owners Phil and Suzanne Hurst wanted to open a gallery to raise Art Awareness, and show people that art is the 'spirit' of the Vallo.

They allow any artist, that they feel suits the atmosphere, to display and sell their paintings in the gallery. They have had University students, and even high-school students sell artwork and make a profit.

The 'Blue Phrog' is a beautiful sight, and they're open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am till 4pm. The gallery also sponsors Montevallo's art events, and plans to create new events in the near future.

Calera-Troy Criswell’s watercolor and oil paintings and Becky Bolton Criswell’s pottery; Helena-Michael Johnson’s jewelry; Birmingham-Jennifer Harwell’s acrylic paintings - See more at: http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2012/09/17/blue-phrog-gallery-expands-its-business/#sthash.qcPlBlb5.dpuf

Calera-Troy Criswell’s watercolor and oil paintings and Becky Bolton Criswell’s pottery; Helena-Michael Johnson’s jewelry; Birmingham-Jennifer Harwell’s acrylic paintings - See more at: http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2012/09/17/blue-phrog-gallery-expands-its-business/#sthash.qcPlBlb5.dpuf

Calera-Troy Criswell’s watercolor and oil paintings and Becky Bolton Criswell’s pottery; Helena-Michael Johnson’s jewelry; Birmingham-Jennifer Harwell’s acrylic paintings - See more at: http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2012/09/17/blue-phrog-gallery-expands-its-business/#sthash.qcPlBlb5.dpuf