Published: October 12, 2008 01:25 am            

Threefoot Art Festival

Annual event rated good family fun

Saturday's Threefoot Art Festival was a smorgasbord of an event, offering a variety of arts-oriented activities – from music to children's art.

"I think this so fantastic; I wish the city would get together and do things like this more often," said Elizabeth Parker, whose 3-year-old daughter, Madeline Grace was among the numerous youngsters who frequented the children's area.

Held in and around the Dumont Plaza area, the Meridian Council for the Arts-sponsored festival was destined to be a success, said Kris Gianakos, MCA president.

"The day has been fantastic," said Gianakos, whose estimate of attendance was several thousand. "We've been granted beautiful weather and a community that has come down to support the arts..

The mission of the Threefoot Art Festival is to showcase work of exceptional quality and creativity by artists in a variety of mediums. MCA's goal is to nurture artistic expression by providing an opportunity for artists to share and sell their work; to educate the public about the creative efforts of artists; and to add to the cultural climate and quality of life in the community, state and region.

More than 20 exhibitors were set up in the festival area – which included the Plaza, and on Fourth and Fifth streets, between 22nd and 23rd avenues. The exhibitors, many from several states, were selected to participate in the festival using a juried-artist criteria that is governed by Meridian Council for the Arts standards of quality, originality, and creativity as interpreted by a jury of visual art professionals. Art, baskets and jewelry were among the offerings.

"It's amazing for me to see the creativity – from pottery to the paintings – showcased here," said Fern Diener, who was intrigued to come see what the annual festival was all about by comments made by friends who had attended in previous years.

"I am not an artist, but to see these people's work and what they are gifted to do is neat," Diener said.

Live music and entertainment were featured throughout the day. Some festival-goers sat on benches and enjoyed the music, while others chose to sit on the grass and listen as they enjoyed food purchased from vendors. A few even showcased some fancy footwork to the music.

Six teams competed in the Chili Cook-off. Teams prepared their chili on site to compete for trophies and prize money. Winners were: The Douglas Coleman Team, first place, $250; and The Jon Pollard Team, second place, $100.

Festival-goers also had the chance to designate the best chili with a sample purchase. Receiving the "Best in Show" bragging rites was The Roger Wicker Team, which received $150. Sample sales netted more than $1,000, which will go toward education grants awarded to teachers in city and county schools for their art programs, Gianakos said.

While the music, food and exhibitors drew many to the festival, the children's art activity area was clearly the place to be. African mask-making, Japanese fish printing and Middle Eastern hand art were a hit with the little ones.

"There's been constant crowds of children coming to the area," said Debbie Matthews, who was among those who helped guide the young art enthusiasts through the activities.

In addition to art activities, the area featured belly dancing by the Queen City Gypsies, as well as a tea ceremony and demonstration on chopstick usage by a representative of the Japanese Outreach Initiative of The Croft Institute at Ole Miss.

"My granddaughter has enjoyed participating in the different activities offered for children," said Linda Scarbrough as she watched 4-year-old Nataliah enjoying the day.

"I've never attended (the festival) and thought this would be a good experience for both of us," Scarbrough said. "We've both enjoyed it."

        

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