The third annual Arts Affair Festival brought Tifton together to share their creative sides whether they were sharing or supporting one another’s artistic abilities. Organizers strive to include vendors and performers who give locals unique experiences.
Multiple areas were designated to showcase different talents.
The Artists’ Market held custom items like paintings, pottery, jewelry, and photography.
Al Howard was in the Artists’ Market area selling his work. He paints and does pencil work aiming to reflect the cultural lifestyles of different people.
Howard said, “I’m partial to Native Americans. Some of the great chiefs are my favorites done with pencil. It gives you a good feeling when the eyes follow you everywhere.”
“I graduated 1974 and I traveled the country and have never done anything in the place I’ve grown up in,” Howard continued. “It was an opportunity to pay respect to the place I grew up and started it all… that’s why I’m here.”
Crafter’s Row engaged the community with live artist demonstrations, bringing art to life right in front of the public’s eye. Full-time artist Cris Lawson set up in this area, taking orders for oil paintings of pets.
Lawson said, “Doing these portraits went very well collecting donations for the Humane Society so the Art Association asked me to be here.”
Lawson’s work isn’t limited to man’s best friend. She said, “I just completed a series of agriculturally based art, and some is on exhibit at The Syd. The latest thing you do is usually your favorite.”
“Sharing art here at the festival brings vibrancy and tourism,” Lawson continued. “People always say there is nothing to do here in Tifton, and [the Arts Affair Festival] is just one of those many things.”
Randall Williford commissioned a painting of his family dog, Siri the Australian Sheppard, from Lawson. Williford said, “Art means everything. If it weren’t for art, the world would be a lot less beautiful. Art adds meaning and beauty to life.”
The Arts Alley had activities dedicated to the community’s youth including crafts, face painting, and a bubble station. Children’s Engagement Director Chelsea Webster was the organizer of this area.
“I have two children and love to work with kids,” Webster said. “When I moved here, I was looking for ways to be involved in the community and bring events here for young families,” said Webster.
While she doesn’t explicitly create art of her own, Webster enjoys seeing others experience artistic satisfaction. She said, “I just love that art can bring positivity and joy no matter your place in town. The event brings different people and forms of art together.”
Cassidy Guess helped set up the Arts Affair Festival and was one of the volunteer coordinators. Her artistic outlets started with music in high school and have evolved into a photography career.
“Events like this bring the community together and give them a reason to stay in town and connect with people they normally wouldn’t,” said Guess.
Tyler Johnson and Osjha Bostic came in support of the arts, especially for their friend Jhalin Pittmon who sold their paintings and sang as a part of the live performance lineup. Both have a deep appreciation for the arts, specifically live theatre performance.
Johnson started his theatre career at the age of four and his appreciation has yet to diminish. Bostic met Johnson at the Tift Theatre for Performing Arts, acting for the Beauty and the Beast.
They have since had a little boy together named Jayce and celebrated an engagement. Johnson said, “I always tell everyone I took the best part of the theatre with me.”
The Arts Affair Festival will continue to highlight the creativity of Tifton for years to come. For more information on the future events organized by the Tifton Council for the Arts, follow their Facebook or visit their website at tiftonarts.org.
