The River Clay Fine Arts Festival returns to downtown Decatur for the third year attracting 76 local and national artists for a two-day celebration of the visual arts. In addition to the artist market and mingling with artists, festival-goers are treated to art demonstrations, student art exhibits, musical performances and more.
The juried art festival, featuring local and national artists exhibiting original works of art for sale to the public, made its debut in 2015 with 58 artists. This year, the two day event features artwork from 76 talented artists from nine different states who will have on display and for sale a variety of original works of art including ceramics, drawings, glass, jewelry, metalwork, mixed media, paintings, photography, printmaking, sculptures, and wood. A number of participating artists will also spend time demonstrating their talents for attendees.
This year’s featured demonstrating artist is Blacksmith Al Stephens with Pequea Valley Forge in Athens, Ala., who will demonstrate hand-forged, finely crafted iron work during the festival. In addition, musical performances will be featured and food trucks will be on hand offering attendees the opportunity to picnic during festival hours.
Along with experienced artists, the festival celebrates up-and-coming artists from local schools. Festivalgoers will enjoy seeing the display of student artwork representing students from public and private schools located in Decatur, Hartselle, and Morgan County. Children of all ages are welcome to take part in the Children’s Art area where there will be fun activities for children to express their own creativity.
The festival is held on the grounds of Decatur City Hall located at 402 Lee Street NE. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 23 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 24. Admission is $5 per person for a weekend pass. Admission is free for children 12 years old and under (must be accompanied by an adult).
On Friday, September 22, the public is invited to River Clay Rendezvous, an Arts Patron Preview Party. Hours for the opening night event are from 5 to 9 p.m. and the event allows art patrons to preview and buy art from the River Clay Artist Market before the general public while