Kentuck Art Festival

Northport, Alabama. A look at some of the artists with an old film twin-lens reflex

By David Luttrell

October 28^th, 2019

Fall, Football and Art are in the air

October in Alabama. If you're a football fan all is well. The Crimson Tide is probably headed for another winning season and a chance at a National Championship. If you're a fan of Art Festivals there is Kentuck just right down the road from Tuscaloosa in Northport. Closing in on its 50th year, its the place to be if you're an artist and a lover and collector of art. When it began its roots were in folk art but over the years the 2 day event now draws an audience of 10,000 and includes contemporary artists in its mix of nearly 300 participants.

Full disclosure, my better half has shown here for 7 or 8 years and for the last two times I have been assistant, gofer and roadie. But I'm also a photographer and I've been fascinated for a while with these Nomads of Creativity. Sometimes, "weekend warriors" but more often than not, full time professional artists that have taken this path and spend half of the weekends a year on the road and the remainder of their time to produce more work, recharge their batteries and get familiar with their families and pets again.

Being an old Grey Beard, when I got into photography there was no digital or iPhone. It was all film. I recently resurrected and old twin lens and have been shooting artists at these festivals. Kentuck provided a great palette to work with. The diversity of art and artists seemed to be worth sharing.

Joachim Knill has a unique space. Instead of the typical 10x10 tent, he trailers around a smaller self contained gallery.A more intimate viewing experience.Check out his work on IG @knilljoachim

Chattanooga artist, Lisa Norris with her nostalgic sewing pattern creations. IG @madebyonegirl

Artist Andrew McCall working on a wisteria basket. He and his artist wife, Etta are from Letohatchee, Al. In addition to the baskets they make willow furniture and birdhouses. Wisteria can be as invasive as kudzu, I’m glad he’s using both in his creations. Andrew was ready to give his hands a break from wrestling the vines.

An artist’s service dog keeping an eye on things at the Kentuck Arts Festival.

Mary Proctor fom Tallahassee, FL. Her visions started after some relatives were claimed by a house fire. God told her to paint to get his message out. She has. Always at Kentuck. A great story about her in The Bitter Southerner. “Don’t Ignore Signs, the life and art of Missionary Mary Proctor”

Susan Clayton, a sculptor from Tallapossa, GA. Some people look like their pets, some artists resemble their art.

Alonzo Hubbard, musician and artist from Roanoke, Va. He postponed his dream of being an artist for years as life and family demanded his attention. His passion rediscovered, his 3D sculptures have finally found an audience.

Arne Cröll, landscape photographer. German scientist that wound up in Birmingham to work with NASA. He wouldn’t be the first.

Dennis Thompson has won awards at the last two shows I have seen him at. Fourth Street in Louisville and Kentuck. He’s been at this for a while. Every artist has their influences and Dennis was a fossil digger years ago. Not quite as threatening as H.R. Giger’s (Alien) work but equally as captivating. Dennis' IG @snobhog