Group expects bigger art festival

Columbia County's fourth annual New Horizons Art Festival is still in planning and organizing stages, but likely will bebigger than ever.

The festival is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Friday evening will feature the unveiling of the exhibited works in the juried art show, a wine and cheese reception, a silent auction benefiting Columbia County Arts Inc., and musical entertainment.

People present at the 7 p.m. reception will have a chance to vote for the Best in Show award, said Leah Owens, county landscape architect and a festival coordinator.

Last year's festival drew 17 artists and 33 accepted and displayed pieces.

"Last year we had 17 artists so that is a big jump," Owens said. "We are very pleased with it."

The juried art show winners will be announced at Friday's reception in six categories: oils and acrylics, watercolor, graphics and drawings, ceramics, photography and mixed media.

The number of youth entries was well over 200, she said. Winning youth-art contest entries also will be displayed.

The festival opens at 10 a.m. Saturday and runs through 5 p.m. with live entertainment all day including musicians, dancers and the voices of the Sweet Adelines. A variety of food, craft and art vendors will be set up around the grounds.

There are still a few available vendor slots, Owens said.

"In response to complaints from last year, all the vendors will be on flat level ground," Owens said.

The festival is not about fancy art, wine and cheese. Children's activities will be available throughout the day, including story time and craft events provided by the Columbia County Library System at 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; and a craft workshop by The Art Factory at noon and 1:15 p.m.

For more information, call (706) 868-3349 or visit www.co.columbia.ga.us.