4th Annual Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival
The Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival is back again, providing art enthusiasts a chance to view the creations of notable wildlife artists up close.
This year, five artists—Dark Walker, Jared Knox, Vaughan Spanjer, Sue Key, and Bucky Bowles—will be engaged in live painting on Saturday, October 25th. The event is completely free and will take place in downtown Wetumpka, organized by the Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts, commonly referred to as “Kelly” by locals.
Jennie Eifer, the director of Kelly, shared, “It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to witness the creation process of artists firsthand. These are world-class talents, and attendees get a unique, intimate look at how they craft their work. We truly appreciate their participation in such a special presentation.”
The live painting demonstrations are just one of many activities awaiting visitors at Wewa.
The festival also features various workshops, including sessions led by the Gee’s Bend Quilters from Wilcox County, known worldwide for their distinctive quilts. Kim V. Kelly, executive director of the Freedom Kilting Bee Legacy, noted, “This workshop allows visitors to delve into the rich cultural and historical significance of the legendary Gee’s Bend Quilters.”
Other attractions include a demonstration by Raptor’s Ridge Wildlife Education, showcasing birds of prey, and a bow-making presentation by Skip Plumlee of the Alabama Wildlife Federation.
Dog lovers will enjoy demonstrations by different groups such as Covey Flush and Madison and Co., featuring sports dogs from trainers and organizations like Artemis and Golbeck Gundogs. “If you love dogs, this is a must-see year at the festival,” Eifer commented.
Additional workshops, such as basket making and autumn gardening, will also be available. Two stages will feature live music, headlined by Dan River and Joehair.
Exhibitors at Kelly will present the “Art Gone Wild” exhibition, open from September 16th until November 8th.
The Dock Dog events are set for Friday, October 24th, and Saturday, October 25th, at Gold Star Park, with three distinct competitions on offer:
- Big Air – a long jump event for dogs.
- Extreme Vertical – a high jump competition in canine aquatics.
- Speed Acquisition – a timed challenge that combines running, jumping, swimming, and retrieving.
The DockDogs Big Air Final, featuring Pro, Semi-Pro, Candidates, and Amateur Divisions, is scheduled for October 25th at 3pm.
Many businesses in the downtown area will be running festival specials, Eifer added.
According to Pam Swanner, director of the Alabama Black Belt Adventure, “Wewa has quickly gained recognition as Alabama’s premier wildlife arts festival. It’s expanding year after year. Families are encouraged to visit our booth and learn casting techniques from the four-time championship fishing team from Montevallo University’s Outdoor Scholars Program.”
