Page 30 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2015

COASTNOTES
PETER ANDERSON FESTIVAL
chosen as Top 20 Event
story by Lynn Lofton photo by Brian Treadaway
Anticipation is growing for this year’s Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival which will be held November 7 and 8 in downtown Ocean Springs. This 37th annual festival was selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events.
The award-winning festival attracts approximately 400 vendors who display pottery, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, wood carvings, metal work and tile pieces. Those who attend will also enjoy music and southern food in this family-friendly outdoor event.
The festival is the largest fine arts festival in Mississippi and attracts 120,000 visitors. In 2013, the Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development in partnership with Mississippi State University determined the economic impact to be $23 million to the local economy.
“That impact study confirms that the festival serves both as a tool to bring in new revenue and to enhance the culture of the region,” said Margaret Miller, executive director of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau.
The Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Events publication receives extensive exposure in print media, web, television and radio in the U.S. and Canada.
Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival
228.875.4424 www.peterandersonfestival.com www.southeasttourism.org
ART WALK set for September 5 in
downtown Ocean Springs
story by Lynn Lofton
The fall season of festivals and art shows kicks off in downtown Ocean Springs with Art Walk on Saturday, September 5, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Hosted by the Ocean Springs Downtown Merchants Association, the event has taken place for more than 20 years. It will feature a lineup of creative talent including potters, painters, jewelry makers and mixed-media artists.
“The whole thing is about promoting local artists,” said Katie Hinkel, owner of Lee Tracy, who’s chairing Art Walk. “Artists will be set up outside and inside businesses to demonstrate their work. Many businesses will serve light refreshments.”
Downtown streets will not be closed although merchants expect 5,000 to 8,000 people. Hinkel anticipates that more than 50 artists will participate. As artists register for Art Walk, their photos are posted on the event’s Facebook page.
“Art Walk began as a way for merchants to showcase local artists and artisans as well as the shops, restaurants and galleries where they exhibit,” Hinkel said.
The event is free to attend.
Art Walk
Katie Hinkel 228.447.4249 Facebook.comartwalkdowntownoceansprings
30 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2015
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