41st Annual Gumtree Festival

2012 Gumtree Arts Festival Promotional Poster

I feel like I’ve been writing a lot lately about events happening in my town, Tupelo, Mississippi. But there’s so many great events going on this time of year, it’s hard not to. This weekend is the 41st Annual Gumtree Festival. The Gumtree Festival is all about the arts; painting, photography, sculpture, music, jewelry, etc. It’s been a staple event in Tupelo since it’s first year in 1972.

Since that time, it’s grown into a large gathering of artists and those seeking art and entertainment. Events at the festival include a singer/songwriter competition, multiple art display, silent art auction, youth writing contest, ballet, and music concerts. You can find unique and beautiful original paintings, sculpture, jewelry and other artwork to view or purchase. The festival this year is showcasing over 100 artists from 17 different states. What I love about these kind of festivals, is that there is plenty of stuff to do and look at for free. You can take the whole family out, have a good time without spending next weeks lunch money. Continue reading

Gumtree Museum of Art

In both kindergarten and first grade, Chase’s teachers have always said that he excels in art and creativity. He is always drawing and does so with details that seem uncommon for such a young guy. One of his projects at school was chosen to be included in a display at Tupelo’s Gumtree Museum of Art along with many other students in the area. It made me really proud to walk in the museum and see something he painted hanging on the wall. Here’s the proof!

Worldwide Photowalk 2011

This past weekend, I took part in Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk. This is an annual event where groups are formed all around the world to walk and take photo’s on the same two days. The event was held October 1-2, 2011. The local group here in Tupelo got together on October 1st, for a Saturday morning walk around the downtown area. Including myself, there were eight people there. I didn’t know anyone before the walk, and they all seemed to know each other. This left me as sort of an outsider, but everyone was nice and inclusive.

This was not really a seminar or class type of setting, but more of a social event. The majority of the participants were members of a local photography club, which I may join since meeting them. I’m always interested in improving, so I think that may be a good way to not only improve, but get to know other people with similar interests. One lady I met does web design for a living, so definitely some interesting contacts. Most of the group were meeting for lunch after the walk, but I had to decline due to another commitment(a.k.a. cub scouts). The winning shot out of the group wins the latest Scott Kelby book. Although I’m quite certain I don’t have a winner here, here are 9 of the 85 or so pictures I took…