FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Beasley, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: karen@northalabama.org
Experience Works of Art and Unique Creations in North Alabama’s Beautiful River City
Decatur, Ala. (September 18, 2024) – The River Clay Fine Arts Festival welcomes local and national artists who will bring their works of art and unique creations to Decatur - the River City - October 26-27, 2024, for a celebration of the visual arts. In addition to the juried art show, festivalgoers are treated to student art exhibits, children’s activities, glassblowing demonstrations, food trucks, live music and a patron hospitality lounge.
Representing 13 states, this year’s River Clay Fine Arts Festival welcomes 60+ artists from Alabama and surrounding states as well as Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas and Ohio who will be selling original works of art, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metalwork, mixed media, paintings, photography, sculptures and wood. In addition to purchasing one-of-a-kind creations, festivalgoers have an opportunity to connect with the artists and to learn more about them.
Art demonstrations are an important element of the River Clay festival. This year, attendees can watch master glassblowers from Muffinjaw Designs transform molten glass into stunning works of art and observe the intricate techniques and precise craftsmanship involved in this ancient art form. Glasswork will be available for purchase alongside custom 2024 River Clay stamped glassware created for the festival.
Along with experienced artists, the festival celebrates up-and-coming artists from local schools. Festivalgoers will enjoy seeing the display of artwork representing students from public and private schools from across Decatur City, Hartselle City and Morgan County school systems. In addition, children of all ages are invited to take part in the children’s art area through fun activities to express their creativity.
For information on opportunities to support the arts festival as a patron, visit www.riverclay.org. Patron-level support includes a patron hospitality lounge equipped with a television for following football scores, storage for art purchases, comfortable seating, private restrooms, an artist talk on Saturday, "Patron's Choice" ribbons to recognize a favorite artist, River Clay Cash, tickets to River Clay Rendezvous and much more.
River Clay is held on the grounds of Decatur City Hall located at 402 Lee Street NE in downtown Decatur. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 27. Admission is $5 per person for a weekend pass. Children 12 years old and under get in free and must be accompanied by an adult. A variety of culinary creations will be available from local food trucks and beer and wine will be available to purchase.
A limited number of tickets is available for River Clay Rendezvous to be held Friday, October 25, from 5 to 9 p.m. for those who wish to preview the works offered by the selected artists. River Clay Rendezvous opens at 5 p.m. on the City Hall Campus festival site. Rendezvous participants get the first look at the 2024 festival artists, which also includes the first chance to purchase the art. Light hors d'oeuvres and drinks are served. At 7 p.m., activities move up the street to the Alabama Center for the Arts for more food and drink from local restaurants. A special art exhibit and live music round out this social event, which has become a much anticipated event each year. Additionally, the Rendezvous ticket includes weekend admission to the festival. River Clay Rendezvous tickets are $60 per person and may be purchased online.
In partnership with the River Clay Fine Arts Foundation, the festival gives back by providing funding for programs that promote the arts through the area school art teachers. To date in 2024, more than $10,000 in grants have been awarded.
For more information on the River Clay Fine Arts Festival, visit www.riverclay.org.
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About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the $4.7 billion North Alabama travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, golf courses, restaurants, accommodations and vendors. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381, by visiting www.NorthAlabama.org and by following us on social media @VisitNorthAL.
