By Emily Williams
For 2½ decades, the Handmade Art Show has been bringing local artists together in Homewood and will celebrate 25 years with its annual event on Oct. 14.
The show began with just a handful of local artists gathering at the home of Carol Richards and has grown into an annual show held at Homewood Central Park. About 50 artists are participating in this year’s show.
The show is an outlet to showcase and support the local arts community. One of the artists who is participating is photographer Kathryn Blackwell of Blackcat Photography.
“Watching the tears fall from an awkward teenager’s face when she sees her portrait for the first time, seeing that smile, or hearing the words, ‘I’m beautiful’ was my motivation for pursuing my passion for photography,” she said on her website.
Blackwell, a retired school counselor, was inspired to pursue photography in the late 1990s while taking portraits for students participating in an elementary school musical.
“Attending Samford University’s Academy of the Arts gave me the opportunity to grow my skills and widen my scope,” she said. “Today, I am combining many of my images (new and old) to create artistic works.”
Blackwell’s work will be showcased alongside many others, with mediums including paintings, jewelry, pottery, leather purses, hand-poured candles, glass works, wood works, metal art, handmade soaps, photography, clothing and more.
“There are many artists that have participated for years, but we love having 10 new artists this year, which helps keep the show fresh and interesting. We are proud that Handmade has grown into a great Homewood neighborhood art show for local artists to present and sell their work,” said Jill Lindsey, who co-organizes and participates in the event with her sister Valerie Holley. Lindsey and Holley showcase their pottery under the name “Sister Art Pottery.”
The show takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving attendees a full day to drop by, peruse art and meet with artists.
A three-year tradition, the show also will be teaming up with Pickin’ in the Park, an event for local musicians of all skill levels to gather and play various instruments and musical styles.
For more information or to preview artists, visit handmadeartshowhomewood.com.