DECATUR-A two-day celebration of the visual arts returns to downtown Decatur next month. Set for October 22-23, 2022, River Clay Fine Arts Festival welcomes 70 local and national artists who will bring their works of art and unique creations to the River City. In addition to the artist market, festivalgoers are treated to chalk art, student art exhibits, live music and more.
The juried art festival made its debut in 2015 as a way to bring local and national artists and art lovers together. This year, the two-day outdoor art festival features artwork from talented artists from 13 different states who will be selling a variety of original works of art, including ceramics, drawings, fiber, glass, jewelry, metalwork, mixed media, paintings, photography, printmaking, sculptures and wood. Children of all ages are invited to take part in the children’s art area through fun activities to express their creativity.
Along with experienced artists, the festival celebrates up-and-coming artists from local schools. Festivalgoers will enjoy seeing the display of artwork representing students from public and private schools from across Decatur City, Hartselle City and Morgan County school systems.
Attendees can look forward to the third annual RiverChalk art competition where competitors create elaborate works throughout the weekend event. Past RiverChalk winners include Decatur native Adam Stephenson and Sonia Summers of Knoxville, Tenn. The winner will be announced Sunday afternoon.
In addition to purchasing one-of-a-kind creations, festivalgoers have an opportunity to connect with the artists and to learn more about them. Food trucks will be on-site, offering festivalgoers the opportunity to picnic; beer and wine will be available to purchase.
River Clay 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, October 22, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 23. Admission is $5 per person for a weekend pass. Children 12 years old and under get in free and must be accompanied by an adult.
A limited number of tickets is available for River Clay Rendezvous to be held Friday, October 21, from 5 to 9 p.m. for those who wish to preview the works offered by the selected artists. Guests will check in at the River Clay Artist Market between 5 and 7 p.m. to receive their event pass and to preview and buy the artists’ works while enjoying beverages and hors d’oeuvres. From 7 to 9 p.m., Rendezvous ticket holders and the artists are invited to the Rendezvous Social at the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) to enjoy more food, beverages, entertainment and the art exhibit in the ACA Gallery. Additionally, the Rendezvous ticket includes weekend admission to the festival. River Clay Rendezvous tickets are $60 per person and may be purchased online at www.riverclay.org or by calling Jennifer Bunnell at the Alabama Center for the Arts at 256-260-4299.
For more information on the River Clay Fine Arts Festival, including a list of participating artists, visit www.riverclay.org.
Media Release/ Danielle Gibson, President & CEO
Decatur Morgan County Tourism, Inc.
