The Athens Community Arts & Music Festival showcased Appalachian culture and featured a diverse range of creative talents Aug. 3. From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., West Union Street was home to crochet critters, folk music, handmade ceramics and jewelry, custom-printed apparel, local organizations and various other vendors and artists.
The excitement for the Festival started at 8 p.m. Aug. 2, with a preparty at The Union Bar, located at 18 W. Union St. A lineup of local musicians including Hellnaw, Judge Russo, Wished Bone, Swage and Liberty Furnace took the stage.
The fun continued Aug. 2 at Casa Cantina, located at 6 W. State St., with another pre-party featuring Millcreek Mile, Snail Satan, HouseGuest, Coralilly and Drawknife, who began playing at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, artisan vendors including Quinn Amorette Ceramics, Cricket Jones Jewelry, Record Rod Sounik, The Henna Fairies, The Salty Otter, Swim Printed, Talcon Quinn and 678 Media lined West Union Street with creations to share with passersby.
Jaime Whitlock, an Appalachian designer, said in-person events like The Athens Community Arts and Music Festival are crucial to exposure for small businesses.
“Athens is the only place in this area for artists to go at all,” Whitlock said. “I'm from Meigs County originally and there's just not a big art community. I really like how supportive all the artists in Athens are of each other as well.”
Whitlock offers necklaces, rings and more made with resin, pressed flowers and ferns. Festival season has kept Whitlock busy, but she said her Etsy will be restocked soon for those who wish to support her business and sport her stylish creations.
Whitlock said local culture and the beauty of growing up near the area largely influence the work of many musicians, artists and designers.
“Most of my T-shirt lines are all based on growing up in Southeast Ohio and the people I’ve met so that’s inspired me,” Whitlock said.
Elizabeth Murray, owner and creative talent behind The Salty Otter, said “cuteness” and ideas from her customers inspire her to continue creating.
Murray offers handmade delights that fit college students' budgets, including a crochet amigurumi jellyfish for $12. She offers a wide range of autumn-inspired crochets on her Etsy for the upcoming fall season.
Murray also feels the Festival gives her business far more exposure than her presence online.
“The Athens Community Arts and Music Festival is a great event,” she said. “I think it's awesome that it's free for the community.”
Artisan vendors were accompanied by musical talents including Guided By Voices, Brainiac, Shilpa Ray, The D Rays, Lung, Heather Redman and The Reputation, Gardener, Laughing Chimes, The McGovern Brothers, Swing Big, Adam Remnant, Ivy Peirce, Exit 191 and Another Language Altogether. The event was ASL interpreted.
Passion Works Studio, a local nonprofit promoting creative individuals with and without disabilities, located at 20 E. State St., provided a banner reading, “Athens, Ohio,” that hung on stage behind performers.
Local organization showcases included Athens Community Music School, Factory Street Studio, Stuart’s Opera House Amp, Athens Artist Memorial Project, Skate Jam, Athens Cannabis Museum and O.R.C.A.
The Union Bar held an afterparty featuring local talent DJ Barticus.
As musicians, jewelers, designers and residents celebrated the Athens Community Arts and Music Festival, they promoted local businesses, supported community organizations and championed talented musicians.
