To Market, To Market to Buy Some Fine Art

Watkinsville touts itself as the Artland of Georgia, and that will definitely be the case this weekend during the 13th Annual Southworks Artist Market featuring more than 60 artists.

Southworks, sponsored by the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF), brings talented artists from across all media together to exhibit unique paintings, sculpture, wood, folk art, glass and jewelry. It's a smorgasboard of visual and textural interest. On top of that, musicians from all different genres play on two different stages, and food vendors ensure you won't be shopping on an empty stomach. And the juried exhibition in the OCAF gallery is always an amazing selection of work from across the country - which also includes the Director's Exhibit of work by Margaret Morrison.

I'm a longtime fan of Southworks, being a collector of pottery and other local art. The festival gives me an opportunity to see work from some of my favorite artists - and check out new faces. I'll be looking forward to...

Folk Art: Peter Loose - I first met Peter Loose when I was in high school and he did a guest lecture at a Young Artists Conference. A naturalist, Loose's work brings a vibrant whimsy to the animals portrayed in his work, whether on canvas or a kitchen cupboard door.

Glass: Loretta Eby - I'm a huge fan of Eby's work. She is a master of glass blowing, renowned across the country for her work. Enjoy items as simple as Christmas ornaments or one of the intricate metal and glass sculptures she creates with her husband, self-taught sculptor Jeff Jackson. Also, she's a personality you won't want to miss.

Pottery: Yukiko Marable - Marable's pottery has an Asian flare, and for those who have a preconceived notion of what Southern pottery looks like, prepare to be surprised.

Pantings: Jamie Calkin and Elizabeth D'Angelo - Calkin's distinct watercolors of local landmarks make him a familiar favorite among Athens area residents. If you don't make it to Southworks, you can pick up his prints at a lot of area galleries or just take a gander at them hanging in a multitude of area restaurants and shops. I first saw D'Angelo's work at Southworks. Her large-scale approach is hard to miss! D'Angelo's paintings tend to be a big look at a little detail - like the interior of fruits. Shown left is her painting Actinidia Melandra (Kiwi) (oil on canvas 48" x 48").

On top of my old favorites, I'll be on the lookout for new ones. I'm particularly interested in The Hairy Potters & Norma. Perhaps I'll be adding a Hogwarts-inspired work of art to my collection.

Watkinsville's declaration of being an epicenter of art is well-deserved. The town has embraced the artist community and taken pride in promoting their creative talents. Athens undoubtedly has a wonderful art scene, but if you've never taken the quick drive over to Watkinsville, this weekend is the perfect time to do it. The collaborative efforts of OCAF, local leaders and entrepreneurial artists has created a thriving economic and cultural asset for the community. While you're downtown, be sure to check out some of the other great Artland destinations like the Chappelle Gallery and Town Center Fine Art. Whether you walk away with a pot, a painting or a funnel cake, I guarantee there's an exceptional cultural experience in store.

Putting it on your weekend itinerary?
Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free parking
34 School Street, Watkinsville