All ages, abilities exhibit their work in Artist Alley and Student Art Tent
MADISON – Varying levels of mastery of fine arts – from youngsters to mature adults – will be on exhibit at Madison Street Festival in Artist Alley and the Student Art Tent.
Amber Keyes is chairing Artist Alley, years after her first volunteer gig (for any group) with MSF in 2018. “I was lucky enough that MSF needed an Artist Alley chair. It has been an amazing experience, from getting to know local artists to expanding Artist Alley into what it is today,” she said.
Keyes also has served as Secretary of MSF Board of Directors. “That was a great learning experience. I continue volunteering with MSF because I believe in their mission to support educational and literacy programs throughout our community,” Keyes said.
To exhibit/sell at Artist Alley, all applications are scrutinized to confirm that the artwork is within the alley’s perimeters (as defined on madisonstreetfestival. org). “If artists don’t fit within the perimeters, I point them to the area that suits them best,” Keyes said. “I look at their website, pictures of their artwork, descriptions of their work and any additional comments on their application.”
Artist Alley is focused primarily on the fine arts. Artists can apply to produce and sell pottery, ceramics, raku, photography, glass, woodworking, literature, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, metalsmith, jewelry, leather, mixed media and other genres. The exhibiting artist has created every piece displayed in Artist Alley, so each purchase is a meaningful way to support local and regional creatives.
For Keyes, identifying her favorite artwork is extremely difficult. “I’m amazed by all their creative abilities.” She is drawn to mythical/ whimsical to classic/elegant pieces:
• Black Lion Photography – Specializes in landscape/ nightscape images.
• Cassey Harrell Jewelry — Organic jewelry using ‘metalsmithing’ techniques; semi-precious stones; and pearls.
• Make Like a Tree — Uses various types of wire, chain and beads to create trees that are secured to various vessels.
• Rave Sake Studios – Creates ethereal original painting and prints.
Each year, the festival recognizes outstanding artists with juried awards: “Joyce & Dennis Vaughn Best in Show Award,” “Mayor’s Award” and “Madison Street Festival Merit Award.”
Keyes enjoys creating with hobbies in the arts. “Coming from a ‘crafty’ family of crocheters, knitters, seamstresses and ceramics makers, I’ve taken some art classes at Athens State University, like painting, pottery and photography,” Keyes said.
“I learned how to do ceramics from my mother. I taught myself how to crochet, sew a little and hand-dye yarn. As a young girl, I played the flute. Currently, I’m working on learning how to knit and improve my sewing abilities,” she said.
“Art allows us to find and lose ourselves at the same time. Come visit Artist Alley to experience the creativity of some of our local artists,” Keyes said.
Another creative area for MSF is an interactive project by Madison Arts Alliance. Rosalie Holcombe will coordinate this space that will allow visitors to join other festivalgoers for their input to a piece of art.
Found adjacent/inside Artist Alley on Church Street, the Student Art Tent adds a different demographic to fine arts at MSF with individual designs from students. MSF is in partnership with Madison City Schools for the tent’s original artwork.
Karen Denzine is the MSF chair for the Student Art Tent “because of the joy it creates. It’s absolutely marvelous to watch a student light up when they see their artwork hanging on display for all of Madison to see. The joy simply transforms their faces,” she said.
“Their smiles are delightful! Their joy is closely matched by the expression of love and warmth shown by their family and friends. I enjoy taking family photos in front of the student’s artwork — everyone is always beaming!” Denzine said.
Primarily, the tent’s focus is visual arts, which can include painting, drawing, watercolor, charcoal, pen & ink . . . a whole host of mediums to display the students’ work. “We don’t have sculptures due to the time and effort that goes into the pieces,” Denzine said. “Students have been in school less than two months when Madison Street Festival occurs.”
“I personally love painting!” Denzine said. “Each of the mediums — water colors, oils and pastels — inspire me. Landscapes, flowers and wildlife are common motifs. When I paint with a specific person in mind who is struggling in life, the piece always takes on a special dimension because it is created with love. Seeing joy in the recipient’s eyes as the painting is presented is humbling.”
Denzine encourages everyone to visit the Student Art Tent to experience “the world through the students’ eyes. The children of Madison are so talented with each participant showing tremendous imagination!”
“The variety spans Pop Art, Realism and Fantasy. Without exception, everyone who enters the Art Tent leaves marveling at the depth of our students’ talent,” Denzine said. “Lifetime memories are often created because of the way art touches our hearts. Come by and experience the joy and leave with a smile!”
