Video: Hidden Treasures — New Albany Folk Art on the River

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NEW ALBANY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Biscuits and Jam Farmers’ Market isn’t your typical local market. Of course you will find fresh tomatoes, music and happy smiling faces, but every second Saturday of the month there’s something extra in downtown New Albany, Folk Art on the River.

“I visited a folk art exhibit at our local museum, the Union County Heritage Museum, one day in the spring. I left that exhibit feeling very inspired, and put together this event that day,” said organizer Mary Jennifer Russell.

Fifteen regional artists display their work alongside regular farmers’ market vendors.

“It’s an event that brings people together. I mean there’s all different kinds of people here and you’re outside, you’ve got music, food, art and coffee. I mean, that’s all you need,” said Tupelo artist Nancy Davis of Okra Girl.

“It has been a very fun, pleasant experience. This is my first show, the first time I’ve shown that I do this, so I was kind of nervous about it. I’m just tickled that we have this and so thankful people are coming out and supporting it,” said Kelly Coltharp of Unwined in New Albany.

“It’s just like one big family in New Albany when you come down here. Even if you don’t sell anything it’s just a fun event to come to,” said Memphis artist Ginny Coltharp of Southern Accents of Memphis.

The Folk Art on the River events are bringing together the community while also highlighting Mississippi’s rich culture.

“Mississippi in my opinion has three things they offer that are really unique. Our food, our music and our art. I think we should play off of that as much as we can for tourism,” Russell said.

It’s fun for the entire family as well. Max and Mia Lohmeier set up their lemonade stand every weekend.

“I make it every night before we go and it’s all homemade. It took 80 something lemons to make this. Business is pretty good, it picks up about 9:00 a.m.,” said 11-year-old Max Lohmeier.

Saturday, August 10 will be the last Folk Art on the River event for the summer. For more information visit, https://www.facebook.com/2ndSaturdaysFolkArtOnTheRiver