Festival Fever: Get Ready for the Crossroads Folk Art Festival
Spring is in the air, ushering in a vibrant season filled with sunshine, creativity, and the much-anticipated Crossroads Folk Art Festival. On May 10, Rose Hill Park will be transformed into a lively haven for art enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a slice of authentic Southern culture. With the park nestled at the corner of Hamilton Road and 33rd Street, the festival promises to be a delightful gathering showcasing a rich mosaic of local folk art.
During a recent interview at the Columbus Collective Museum, local artist Ned Berry holds his finger over the picture of himself standing between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter outside their Plains home. “George W. Bush has one of my works of pottery,” he remarks, his eyes glimmering with fond memories. This picture album is not just a collection of snapshots; it’s a testament to the connections forged through artistry.
As artists like Ned gather to share their creations, attendees will have the opportunity to meet fascinating personalities and feel the depth of folk art infused with personal stories and history.
Ned, a lifelong Columbus native, reflects on his artistic lineage which traces back to the 1800s. His great-grandfather was a brick maker and potter, and while Ned didn’t initially pursue formal art education—having been turned away from art school due to his high school English grades—his passion for pottery became a path to embrace that legacy. Attendees at the festival will see the thread of history and community woven into every piece he creates.
The Crossroads Folk Art Festival, the first annual event of its kind, is set to celebrate folk art and community spirit in a way that has not been seen in Rose Hill Park before. Kaitlynn Etheridge, Director of the Columbus Collective Museum, asserts, “Rose Hill Park has not seen much activity in terms of the arts, and we believe this festival will bring light, joy, and a renewed sense of positivity to the area. This is more than just an art festival – it’s a movement to uplift the community through creativity.”
Festival-goers can expect an array of attractions, including a diverse selection of folk art and handmade goods, poetry readings, performances from local musicians, and live art demonstrations. The event promises a family-friendly atmosphere filled with food, refreshments, and engaging experiences for all ages. “Our mission is to preserve, celebrate, and share artistic expression in all its forms,” Kaitlynn says.
Among the artists featured at the festival is Jarrod Turner, another lifelong Columbus resident whose journey into folk art was sparked by a chance encounter. Jarrod recalls a transformative experience during a music act in Summerville, Georgia, where he wandered through grounds adorned with legend Howard Finster’s captivating imagery. “I was fascinated by the images he created,” Jarrod reflects, recounting a dream that inspired him to embrace his creative calling.
“I was walking in a garden with Howard Finster, and he was picking up and excitedly showing me his art, trying to teach me what [it] meant. I woke up and had an urge to create something, make something, not knowing what or how. So, I left the house to walk my dog and along the way a stick on the ground caught my eye. I picked it up not knowing why and carried it home. At home I painted a snake on the stick and a friend liked it and I gave it to him. That was the beginning. It’s like the piece itself guides where it’s going.”
Equally enthralling is Jacquelyn Grant Brown, who contributes her unique perspective as a self-taught multi-disciplinary artist, who spoke with us from Guyana. Although new to the Columbus community, Jacquelyn emphasizes her desire to connect with fellow artists through the festival and shares her approach to the ever changing path that art has taken her, “My creative journey has been an evolution over many years. I feel when a particular practice gets too small to hold the things I want to say, I change. Poetry, jewelry, painting and collage have been my preferred method of sharing stories over the last two decades,” she explains, illustrating her evolution as an artist. Her work often tells stories of women of color, drawing inspiration from both her life experiences and prominent artists like Romare Bearden and Evita Tezeno. Jacquelyn underscores the notion that folk artists create not just art but opportunities for broader representation and cultural dialogue.
This year, festival attendees will meet approximately fifteen artists, who will display their work in various mediums. With a focus on folk art and the artists themselves, the festival aims to spotlight the unique talents that define the region’s creative landscape. Local musicians, including Neal Lucas and BB Palmer, will grace the park starting at noon.
Alan Woodall, owner of the Columbus Collective Museum, emphasizes the significance of such events for the community. “It brings people together and showcases our talent, our businesses, and our culture,” he says.
As Ned excitedly prepares for the festival, he picks up a piece of his pottery, explaining the intricate details and techniques which bring his creations to life. His passion is evident, feeding into the excitement surrounding the festival. This gathering is a chance for local artists to reflect, connect, and inspire.
Please join us in the celebration at Rose Hill Park, May 10th. Discover the vibrant world of folk art, meet talented local artists, and enjoy a day filled with creativity, music, and community spirit. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome to share in the festivities.
By David Turner
For more information, vendor inquiries, or to support the festival, visit their website at columbuscollectivemuseums.com.