Hoover’s Moss Rock Festival is throwing an extra special Sweet 16 bash for the city’s beloved nature and art festival. This year’s festival, held Nov. 6-7, will continue its tradition of introducing festivalgoers to a bevy of talented local and regional artists. A new venue, the Hoover Met Complex, will host more than 150 artists, as well as other exhibitors focused on nature and sustainable living, a dozen food and drink vendors, a live music stage, kid’s craft workshop, and the return of the ever-popular Beer Garden.
Moss Rock Festival has been a staple fall festival for the people of Hoover and beyond since its very first festival weekend in 2005. Since then, it has only grown to include more exhibitors and more ways to explore nature, smart living, art, and design. At the festival, find work from artists representing a huge array of media, from woodworking and glassblowing to watercolor, photography, and ceramics. This year’s special exhibition “Landscapes | Our Alabama” features large-scale photography of Alabama’s natural wonders from six esteemed Alabama photographers.
Despite its excellence in the visual arts, the festival doesn’t stop there. Find poetry from Alabama Poet Laureate Ashley M. Jones, as well as other Alabama writers inside the Alabama Poet Laureate Tent. She’ll perform her poetry live on the Crescent Stage Sunday at 1:30 p.m. The stage will also host performances from local bands and performers including Hope Wendell, Rude and True, Orange Bunny, M.U.A.D., the Alabama School of Fine Arts Jazz Ensemble, Fee-Free Redmon, Dala Dance Company, and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
One of the best things about Moss Rock Festival is its commitment to art that touches each of the senses. For those looking to explore the culinary arts, tickets to the 10th annual Beer Garden are a must. At the Beer Garden, appreciate the artistry of craft brewers by sampling beer from almost 30 breweries and cideries located in and around Alabama. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, Moss Rock’s Café has you covered with local food trucks like Encore Rouge gourmet street food, Aww Shucks fire-roasted corn, Tamale Queen, and Rae Rae’s Catering featuring fall festival favorites like Polish dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, and nachos.
Need more convincing? Check out our preview of three talented artists participating in this year’s festival.
Virginia Nelson | 2D Mixed Media
Birmingham born and raised, Virginia Nelson took the long way home after graduating from Auburn University’s graphic design program. After a stint across the globe working for an advertising firm in New Zealand, she’s returned to the Magic City to create art on her own terms. In addition to her commercial graphic design work with local brands like Ghost Train Brewing and Boehm Brokers, she specializes in ethereal abstract pieces, as well as adorable pet portraits and colorful fish paintings. Find her art at Booth 237.
Donny Barnes | 3D Digital
A perfect example of the intersection of art and design, digital artist Donny Barnes creates one-of-a-kind 3D-printed topographical landscapes through his business 3D Adventure Maps. Popular locations include some of the country’s most famous national parks like Death Valley, Great Sand Dunes, and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, Donny’s work also hits a bit closer to home with other custom 3D maps documenting local hiker hotspots like Oak Mountain State Park and Ruffner Mountain. Find his work at Booth 312.
Inga & Evija | Fiber Arts + Design
The work created by artists Inga and Evija is truly one of a kind. The artists, designers, and recyclists handcraft accessories and fashion items using recycled, upcycled, and eco-friendly processes. From brightly patterned tote bags to tongue-in-cheek statement wallets, everything the Atlanta, Georgia-based duo creates has a whimsical, irreverent appeal. Find their work at Booth 313.
Tickets to Moss Rock Festival are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate.
(Courtesy of SoulGrown)
