The 12th annual Artist Market welcomed over 30 innovative and established artists with works for sale—perfect for unique holiday gifts and collectors alike.
Artist Market returned to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts on Saturday,
November 19, just in time for holiday shopping! Set against the backdrop of the Museum’s grand Rotunda and the Lowder Gallery, Artist Market brings local artists and community members together.
Along with some familiar faces from previous Artist Markets—such as painter
George Taylor, jewelry maker Queen Opulence, textile artist Winki Allen, and
glass artist Helen Shields—there were several artists new to the event, like painter Tamiah Coleman, jeweler Avani Patel, photographer Brian Braden, and textile artist Aaron Sanders Head—showcasing the best of the River Region’s diverse art scene. With price points for every budget and one-of-a-kind artwork in a variety of media, there was truly something for everyone at Artist Market.
Local food trucks were on-site during lunch, with musical performances from Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet School throughout the day.
MMFA Board President Laurie J. Weil, D.V.M. says, “The MMFA Artist Market is a fabulous, fun party where you marvel at the breadth and depth of the arts talent in the River Region, purchase holiday Bracelet by Joanne Staley
presents for friends and family—and something special and unique for yourself, meet old friends and make new friends. I like to go early and delight in walking up and down the aisles looking at the wide range of creativity and talking with the artists.”
MMFA Director Angie Dodson added, “events like Artist Market give the Museum a chance to share its platform and amplify the voices and work of emerging and established creatives in the region. And, adding to Laurie’s comment, Artist Market is a party…with a purpose—proceeds from Artist Market benefit the local artist community as well as educational programming for them and for the larger community at the Museum.”
Montgomery artist Korey Rowswell shares, “As a military spouse, getting involved in the local arts community and learning about regional materials has been an essential part of my artistic process. When we moved to Montgomery, I was thrilled to be so close to a museum that gives the local art scene opportunities like the peer critiques at ArtTalk. I look forward to participating in the Artist Market because of the kind and supportive relationship I cultivated with the museum staff and showcasing the broad spectrum of my studio practice; from vintage kimono bags to watercolor and ink drawings to
hand-embroidered landscapes.”
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts members got a first look at Artist Market on Friday, November 18, at a preview event that included a complimentary drink and hors d'oeuvres. For more information on becoming a Museum member or to renew your membership ahead of the event, please visit mmfa.org/join.
Participating Artists
Glass
Helen Shields and Gloria Simons
Jewelry
Avani Patel, Queen Opulence Ra, and Joanne
Staley
Mixed Media
Tamiah Coleman, Tara Sartorius, Sarah
Tanner, and the AUM Art Club
Oils or Acrylics
Camilla Armstrong, Steve Barrington, Carole
Bandy Carson, Warren Christopher, Trish
Gober, Tori Jackson, Kay Sasser Jacoby,
Linda Lee, Lara Oshon, and George Taylor
Pen and Ink
Shannon Anderson, Maria Hager-Freedman,
and Sharon Samples
Photography
Brian Braden
Stone and Ceramics
Brooks Barrow, Earthborn Studio Pottery,
Christopher Greenman, and Randy Shoults
Textiles
Winki Allen, Janice Dennis, Aaron Sanders
Head, and Korey Rowswell.
Watercolors
Rhonda Hancock
SUPPORT AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Annual support for events is made possible by lead sponsors Alabama State
Council on the Arts, Lamar, Porch Band of Creek Indians, and Rheem Manufacturing,with additional support from sponsors AlaCOMP, Gene and Ray Ingram, Mark and Gage LeQuire, and Margaret and Jimmy Lowder, and co-sponsors Confero, Marion Community Bank, Morgan Stanley, Mary Lil Owens and Bill Little, Renasant Bank, Dr. and Mrs. J. Douglas Robertson,and Synovus Bank.
ABOUT THE MMFA
The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts was founded in 1930 by a group of local artists as a place for both exhibiting art and a space for art education. The original intentions of the founders—to exhibit and teach—continue to inspire and inform every action and activity at the Museum. Since 1988, the
MMFA has shared the 175-acre Blount Cultural Park with partners across the lake at the celebrated Alabama Shakespeare.
Today’s MMFA visitors stroll through art-studded grounds and permanent collection galleries. They see compelling changing exhibitions and learn about art by playing in the interactive gallery, ArtWorks; making art in the bustling studios, and by participating in other engaging events and programs. In addition, MMFA visitors can relax and recharge in the serenity of the Museum’s stunning three-acre John and Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden.
While the Museum’s collection is still home to the art of many of the regional artists who first established it, over time, it has become known for its strengths in American art and Old Master prints. Recent, important acquisitions of art made by African American and Asian American artists and works inspired by images and themes related to the experiences of these groups represent the breadth and depth of the lives and concerns of those who call Montgomery and the River Region home. Through the exhibition of these works and the programs and events that help connect our communities with it, the MMFA has become recognized as a leading arts and cultural resource here in the state and Southeastern region.
The MMFA is a department of the City of Montgomery and is supported by funds from the City of Montgomery, with additional funds from the Montgomery County Commission and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Association. Programs are made possible, in part, by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
