Decatur, Ala. – Set for October 22-23, 2022, Decatur’s annual River Clay Fine Arts Festival returns with 70 local and national artists for a two-day celebration of the visual arts. In addition to the artist market, festivalgoers are treated to chalk art, student art exhibits, live music, and more.
The juried art festival made its debut in 2015. This year, the two-day event features artwork from talented artists from 13 different states who will be selling a variety of original works of art, including ceramics, drawings, fiber, glass, jewelry, metalwork, mixed media, paintings, photography, printmaking, sculptures, and wood. Food trucks will be on-site offering attendees the opportunity to picnic during festival hours. Beer and wine also will be available this year.
In addition to experienced artists, the festival celebrates up-and-coming artists from local schools. Festivalgoers will enjoy seeing the display of artwork representing students from public and private schools from across Decatur City, Hartselle City, and Morgan County School systems. Children of all ages are invited to participate in the Children’s Art area through fun activities for kids to express their creativity.
Attendees can look forward to the 3rd annual RiverChalk art competition. Past RiverChalk winners include Decatur native Adam Stephenson and Sonia Summers of Knoxville, TN. Competitors create the elaborate works throughout the weekend; the winner will be announced Sunday afternoon.
River Clay is held on the grounds of Decatur City Hall located at 402 Lee Street NE. Hours are 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, October 22, and 10 AM to 4 PM on Sunday, October 23. Admission is $5 per person for a weekend pass. Children 12 years old and under get in free (must be accompanied by an adult).
Tickets are available now for River Clay Rendezvous, an arts patron preview party held on Friday, October 21, from 5 to 9 PM. Guests will check in at the River Clay Artist Market from 5 – 7 PM to receive their event pass and to preview and buy the artists’ works while enjoying beverages and hors d’oeuvres. From 7 – 9 PM, Rendezvous ticket holders and the artists are invited to the Rendezvous Social at the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) to enjoy more food, beverages, entertainment, and the art exhibit in the ACA Gallery. River Clay Rendezvous tickets are $60 per person and may be purchased online or by calling Jennifer Bunnell at the Alabama Center for the Arts at 256-260-4299. Rendezvous ticket includes weekend admission to the festival; a limited number of tickets is available.