Doughty ‘maps’ designs at street festival

An arts-and-crafts artisan at Madison Street Festival, Shawn Doughty with “Who What and Where Art” will sell his city and state maps. His commissioned work for Madison City Schools is shown here. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Madison Street Festival arts-and-crafts vendor Shawn Doughty will ‘map’ the course to distinctive decor with his “Who What and Where Art.”

Doughty creates stunningly detailed prints of novelty maps. He draws landmarks, events and culture of states and cities. For Alabama, he featured the Saturn 5 rocket, W.C. Handy, Crimson Tide football, a catfish, Gulf of Mexico fish, a cotton boll and state bird and flower.

“My artwork brings a blessing of relaxation and satisfaction,” Doughty said. Each individual piece requires up to six months to complete.

His love of travel, geography and history lead his creativity. “Most importantly, I make sure that I give God the praise for my ability and for vision that He has given me,” Doughty said. Doughty has a successful career in the nuclear field with the federal government.

Doughty completed a commissioned piece for Madison City Schools’ fifteenth anniversary in 2013. His portfolio includes depictions of Huntsville, Decatur, fiddlers’ convention and cityscape of Athens, the Shoals and all Southeastern states.

Doughty’s artwork is sold in 40-plus locations throughout the Southeast, Midwest and six art galleries. His customers include Huntsville Museum of Art, Alabama Governor’s Mansion and Indiana Historical Society. (whowhatwhereart.com)

MSF arts and crafts chairperson Brenda Parker said Doughty’s art makes great gifts. “Years ago, I bought his state of Alabama print. Last year, I purchased a North Carolina print to go with it. My son Andy and his wife Saadia now live in Charlotte, so I framed both prints for their Christmas presents,” Parker said.

“I encourage everyone to shop in Arts and Crafts (also called Artist Cove) with Christmas in mind for one-of-a-kind items,” Parker said. Vendors will have birdhouses, bath/body products, children’s clothing, art, knitted items, jewelry, restored and ‘up-cycled’ home decor, wreaths, cigar-box guitars and Alabama/Auburn memorabilia.

Parker is pleased that the second shuttle stop at the corner of Church and Arnett streets is adjacent to arts and crafts.

Madison Street Festival opens at 9 a.m. on Oct. 3 and runs through 4 p.m. throughout downtown.