Alabama Flora and Fauna Arts Festival a Huge Success
The weather turned out beautifully for the 11th Annual Alabama Flora and Fauna Arts Festival at the historic Lanark Estate in Millbrook, Alabama, but it did not keep the crowds away. Lanark was host to around 500 guests over the course of the April 10-11 weekend events; a true celebration of Alabama’s magnificent abundance of plant life and wildlife, showcased in art and nature.
The weekend kicked off on Friday night with a VIP reception recognizing eleven artists for their exceptional talents.
Michael Davis of Homewood won Best of Show this year with his beautiful watercolor painting of great blue herons called, “Bayou Morning”. Other winners include; Best of Flora: Millbrook’s Karen Baggett, who used colored pencil to create “Lilies on the Pond,” a beautiful display of lilies; Best of Fauna: Carol Furman of Daphne with her acrylic painting, “Handsome Heron,” of a great blue heron; Best of Ornamental: Taylor White of Gardendale used oils for “Summer Gold,” a lovely composition of sunflowers.
Awards of Excellence went to Joseph Forwalt of Theodore for “Marsh Mama” and Everett Hatcher of Birmingham for “White Pelican Male”.
Awards of Merit went to Gary Anderson of Huntsville for “Snail”, Yvonne Andrews of Birmingham for “The Iris”, Robert Harrison of Prattville for “Green-winged Teal”, Clarence Stewart of Brewton for “Eastern Bluebird” and Darrell Warr of Montgomery for “Dang Skeeters”.
Historic Lanark was the setting for approximately 35 pieces of original artwork depicting nature themes of Alabama wildlife and plants from talented artists all over the state. On Saturday, featured artists also showcased their artwork for sale under the pavilion. At the Lanark Gardens, there were plant sales with quality plants from the Lanark grounds, plus, Eagle’s Roost Herb Farm, delicious honey from Dancing Bee Apiary, Lisa Wrights goat milk products, Bottle Tree Bob, Donny Tomlin’s grafted Japanese maples, speakers, face painting and other activities from the Autauga County and Elmore County Master Gardeners.
The Alabama Wildlife Federation would like to thank the following sponsors, without whom the art festival would not be possible. The William R. Ireland Sr. Family; City of Millbrook; Sonny and Florence Cauthen; Anne Gunderson; David and Alice Thrasher, The J.K. Lowder Family Foundation; Patrick Harris, David and Kelly Thomas; First South Farm Credit; Ed Leigh and Perri McMillan and Dixon and Carolyn Mitchell.
CLICK HERE to view photos.
CLICK HERE to view artwork for sale.