Creative Finds Under the Oaks

A Day at the Chain of Parks Art Festival in Tallahassee

With over 150 painters, live performances, food trucks, and heritage artists, the Chain of Parks Art Festival in Tallahassee is a premier event. Marking 25 years of bringing world-class art within reach! It was a pleasure to meet so many creative people and get inspiration from them. These were my favorite inspirational moments:

I had lunch under the oak trees with an impressive group of college students from Mobile and Tallahassee. I have connected on LinkedIn with Ian (on the far left), a grad student at FSU in Sports Psychology. My new friend on the far right had a fabulous French accent and worked at an aircraft manufacturer in Mobile. Emma and Alexis have connected with me on Instagram. This generation holds so much promise for the future!

My potter friend, Jennifer Kimbrell of South Georgia Clay, was why I knew about this arts festival. Jennifer was so busy helping her customers that we barely had time to speak. Check out her fabulous sgraffito pieces. She is a true talent!

Rob Sowers, of Sowers Fine Arts in High Springs, FL, creates realistic figurative pieces that combine abstract elements. His pieces remind me of a modern take on the 80s artist Patrick Nagel and the Art Moderne movement of the 1920s.

Sounds from the all-girl Steelpan group Mas ‘N’ Steel, the Florida State University Steelpan band.

Aquatic Impressions Fish Rubbings by Fred Fisher (of course). GYOTAKU is the ancient Asian art of fish imprinting. Japanese fishermen developed this art form in the 1800s to accurately record the size of their catch. Each fish is covered with colorful acrylic paint, and then a handmade paper or cloth is pressed onto the fish's surface to capture a unique image. These were amazing pieces! www.aquatic-impressions.com

A stunning display by textile artist, Amanda Ruddell! All of my flooring and surface design connections need to take a look at this Tallahassee talent! www.amandaruddelltextiles.com

Prairie Grass hand-painted Cattail Reeds by Cheryl and Steve Ward of St. Augustine, FL. www.wardartstudio.com

I adore the upcycling of thrifted clothing into new, modern pieces. Artist Janelle Edwards made this top from Oxford cloth button-up shirts. These photos don’t do this justice…I will post a better photo after I iron and style this top. Janelle is another rising art star in Tallahassee! www.crazyfunkystuff.etsy.com

Ending with a selfie after a long, hot day, sweating outside! Lulu Tagua Jewelry had so many colorful pieces made from the Tagua Palm tree. Lulu calls this “vegetable ivory.” She put this necklace on me and I had to have it…you know how I love statement necklaces! Lulu Designs promotes awareness and keeps her culture alive with this beautiful traditional art from the rainforest in Ecuador. www.lulutaguajewelry.com

I hope you felt like you walked this well-produced art festival with me. Do any of these artists inspire you? Let me know in the comments.