4th Annual Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival

The Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival offers a distinctive opportunity for art enthusiasts to appreciate the creations of renowned wildlife artists.

This year, five artists—Dark Walker, Jared Knox, Vaughn Spangel, Sookie, and Bucky Bowles—will engage in live painting on Saturday, October 25th. The festival is free and takes place in downtown Wetumpka, organized by the Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts, affectionately referred to by locals as “Kelly.”

“It’s a fantastic chance for people to see artists in action and understand the creative process,” noted Jennie Eifer, the director at Kelly. “These are world-class talents, and attendees will get an inside look at how they work. We’re grateful to them for participating in this special event.”

The live painting demonstration is just one of the numerous exciting activities at Wewa. There are also workshops led by the Gee’s Bend Quilters, who are recognized internationally for their unique quilts. “This workshop provides visitors a chance to learn about the cultural and artistic significance of the Gee’s Bend Quilters,” mentioned Kim V. Kelly, executive director of Freedom Kilting Bee Legacy.

Moreover, Raptor’s Ridge Wildlife Education will showcase birds of prey, while Skip Plumlee from the Alabama Wildlife Federation will lead a bow-making demonstration.

There will be four different groups presenting, including Covey Flush and Madison and Co. Sports dog demonstrations will be held by Dog Trainers and Artemis Kennel and Golbeck Gundogs. “For dog lovers, this festival is a must-attend this year,” Eifer remarked.

Other workshops include basket making and autumn gardening, plus two music stages featuring performances by Dan River and Joehair.

From September 16th to November 8th, visitors can explore the “Art Gone Wild” Exhibition at Kelly.

Exciting action from Dock Dogs is set to happen at Gold Star Park in Wetumpka on October 24th and 25th, showcasing three distinct events:

• Big Air: A long jump event in dog aquatics.
• Extreme Vertical: A high jump event for dogs.
• Get Speed: A timed event combining running, jumping, swimming, and retrieving.
• The DockDogs Big Air Final in various divisions is scheduled for October 25th at 3 PM.

Many local businesses will be rolling out festival specials, Eifer added.

“Wewa is quickly becoming recognized as Alabama’s premier wildlife arts festival,” commented Pam Swanner, of the Alabama Black Belt Adventure, which supports the event. “It’s expanding every year, and I encourage families to visit our booth, where they can learn fishing techniques from the four-time championship team of the President’s Outdoor Scholars Program at Montevallo University.”

For further details about the festival, check the official site.