Annual TroyFest aims to be a fun-filled weekend for all

The annual TroyFest is just around the corner and many small businesses artists are gearing up for the big weekend full of selling art, showcasing their craft and mingling with residents and tourists.

Morgan Drinkard, publicity chair for the TroyFest Fine Art and Craft Festival, said in a press release that the festival has accepted more than 100 vendors for the festival this year in downtown Troy to be held on April 26 and 27. Artists selling pottery, photography, painting, glasswork, jewelry and more are prepared to welcome festival attendees.

“Each year, TroyFest draws some of the best artists in the southeast to our community where we have the opportunity to support them by purchasing their works.” Drinkard said.

“The selection of paintings, decorative craft pieces, jewelry, and glasswork are always a treat.

“Many towns have a city fest, but this isn’t just an opportunity to come together. TroyFest has deep roots in celebrating incredible artists from all over the southeast through the selling of their artwork. The entertainment and food are a bonus, but the art and the artists are the main attraction.”

Drinkard explained TroyFest’s history.

“The TroyFest Fine Art and Craft Festival has a rich history in celebrating the arts in Pike County, dating back to the Jean Lake festival, which was held at the Pike Pioneer Museum.

Many artists have traveled from all over the country to exhibit at TroyFest.”

There are eight categories to compete in, and all applicants must apply through a jury process to have their artwork reviewed and accepted to the festival. The artists are awarded more than $5,000 in cash awards from the on-site artist judges. TroyFest welcomes many local artists as well as artists from all over the nation.

The festival, held in downtown Troy, is free for the public to attend. The Johnson Center for the Arts will be open during the weekend offering a variety of activities and access to their current exhibitions.

“There will be a full entertainment schedule with bands performing, dance groups performing, great festival food favorites,” Drinkard said. “It's a great time to spend, grab some friends, visit the festival, see art, appreciate art and hopefully buy art.”

Many Troy students are exhibiting their own artist booths this year.

“I am hosting my own tent for TroyFest this year, which is super exciting for me after having so much success with it last year,” said Icie Wallace, a junior graphic design major from Sylacauga, Alabama. “I have been building up inventory to have new art pieces to show but also bringing back items from last year.”

Sarah Robbins, a senior English and art double major from Saraland, Alabama, is preparing for her first TroyFest as a vendor.

“This is my first year having a solo booth at TroyFest selling my work, and I am excited to see how the weekend goes,” Robbins said. “I have been working and prepping nonstop over the past couple of months, making new art to sell and getting together everything you’d need to display products in a booth.

“Events like TroyFest are essential for connecting people to your artwork. Selling pieces online is a good option for making money, but there’s nothing quite like getting to meet people face-to-face and talk to them about your art. It’s a great way to network.”

Robbins said supporting creators and artisans is a fantastic way to give back into your community. Not only does it stimulate the economy, but it also directly provides some well-deserved income for artists who spend hours honing their craft.

Wallace expressed her admiration for the festival.

“Having such a well thought out and juried group for TroyFest is super neat because everyone there is invested in their craft, and the items that you find are truly made with care,” Wallace said. “Businesses from the Troy area to even businesses from neighboring states can get exposure from TroyFest and because of the festival’s good reputation customers usually come prepared to spend money.

“It is so important to continue to allow businesses like this to flourish to maintain creativity and culture in an area, what is made with hands can tell so much about us as people, and the way we support these people can be just as important as being supported in what are considered more traditional jobs.”

For more information, visit troyfestarts.com or visit TroyFest Art & Craft Festival on Facebook.