Grayson County Alliance (GCA) Art in the Park returns for its eleventh year this weekend at Grayson County Middle School.
GCA Art in the Park this year places a spotlight on the importance of cultivating and supporting the arts in the community.
This year’s event “will showcase a talented group of local and regional fine artists and fine crafts people. Visitors will have a fun-filled family friendly day offering free parking, free admission, free music, and free children’s activities,” GCA Executive Director Debbie Childress said.
Art in the Park begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m.
“You can tap your toe to the music on stage as we showcase local performing artists, all the while enjoying a tasty treat from one of the food vendors,” Childress said. “Children and adults will have a wonderful time watching demonstrations and can join in the fun with several hands-on art activities.
“Our volunteer planning team is committed to having a show that is built for families and showcases a variety of quality artists and craftsmen. The Alliance is always looking for volunteers to use their time and talents to benefit our community.”
This year’s event features 30 artists and craftsmen highlighting their talents, as 12-year-old Anya Nester is the youngest artist accepted into the show.
“She has been creating stained glass for two years under the tutelage of her grandmother, Jeanette,” according to Childress.
“There are seasoned and award-winning artists and authors like Paula Haynes who will show her mixed media art and children’s book. The beauty of the park and plenty of southern hospitality is sure to provide a wonderful day for every visitor,” Childress said.
Featured Artist: Larry Elmore
Internationally renowned artist Larry Elmore will participate in Art in the Park again this year.
“Larry has been masterfully creating fantasy and science fiction art for over 40 years,” Childress exclaimed. “Since 1987, he has been working as a freelance illustrator, creating covers for comics, computer games, magazines, fantasy and science fiction books and many other projects.”
Copies of Elmore’s inaugural poster for Art in the Park will be on sale at the event.
Grayson Co. High School Student Art Competition 2024
Bev Dowell, GCHS Art teacher, coordinates the student competition, which is sponsored by Grayson County Schools.
“The High School Art Competition will exhibit art from extraordinarily talented students in Grayson County,” Childress said. “Students can exhibit in several categories including jewelry, textiles, painting, mixed media, sculpture, drawing, pottery, glass, basketry, photography, and digital art.”
Tiny Art Show – Exhibit & Fundraiser
“The theme for the fourth year of the Tiny Art Show is ‘Abstract,’ which is sure to bring some fun amateur and professional pieces that will be sold to benefit the GCA Food Pantry,” Childress said.
Each entry in the Tiny Art Show will be on exhibit beginning at 9:00 a.m. and will go on sale at 10:00 a.m. for $10 each.
The Alliance Food Pantry is a 501c3 non-profit serving local families with basic food support for 23 years.
“Without the support of our community we would simply not be able to help our friends and neighbors struggling to have enough to eat each month,” Childress stated. “The Tiny Art Show and the generosity of our sponsors make the festival a success in the fight against hunger.”
On Stage
Les N. Downs, who manages the musical portion of Art in the Park, will take the stage along with the GCHS Alumni Choir and newly formed Grayson Co. Homeschool Choir under the direction of Teresa Jarboe, Slugg Merlin and friends, Dalsin Stevenson, Millerstown, and Patrick Lampton.
“The stage will be a great place to relax and enjoy food from the food trucks,” Childress said.
Children’s Art Area
Jackie Pierce, of Believe Designs, will teach and inspire children ages four to 12 with “Kandinsky Circle” art activity, sponsored by Grayson County Schools.
The project will be held in two sessions: 10:00 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to -3:30 p.m. in the Children’s Art Pavilion.
The lessons and materials are free.
Contact Debbie Childress 270-259-4000 gcaartinthepark@gmail.com and follow GCA Art in the Park on social media for details on artists and craftsmen.
Website: gcaartinthepark.org Facebook: gcaartinthepark Instagram: gcaartinthepark.
(Photo l-r: Ava St. Clair, who will display her pottery, Larry Elmore)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
