By Emily Williams
Local artist Sherri Van Pelt will be returning to the Moss Rock Festival for the fourth year showing and selling her intricate glasswork.
The tenth Eco-Creative Festival will take over The Preserve in Hoover on Nov. 7 and 8.
“I love the beautiful venue at The Preserve and the family-friendly environment,” Van Pelt said. “For me, Moss Rock Festival is the official kick-off of fall and the holiday season. I have my fingers crossed for a beautiful fall weekend this year.”
Van Pelt began working with glass in 2010, creating colorful pieces that can be both functional such as bowls and vases or put on display in the form of art panels.
“I have always been fascinated by the beauty of glass and the dance between glass and light,” she said. “I am attracted to working with glass because of the endless possibilities that can be created with color, heat, gravity, texture and form.”
Van Pelt said she has come to think of her artwork as “happy glass” because of the positive reactions from guests who attend her shows. Her work continues to evolve, and her favorite process is combining and layering to create intricate complexities in the glass.
Van Pelt said her favorite thing about the festival is having the opportunity to chat with other artists, talk with people who return every year to see her work and watch families and friends enjoy the outdoors. She said the food trucks don’t hurt either.
The festival will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 7, and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 8. The event will include music, green living ideas, constructions and installations, hiking, biking and geocaching as well as displays from 100 artists. Parking will be available at the Hoover Met and a complimentary shuttle will take people to and from the festival.
For more information, visit www.mossrockfestival.com.
