Published Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Powers' gears up for 2010 artist entries

The Newnan Times-Herald

The Coweta Festivals organization is gearing up to take applications from artists interested in participating in the annual Powers' Crossroads Country Fair and Art Festival.

The annual Labor Day weekend event is a tradition of almost four decades -- celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2010.

Barbara Wetherington, who operated the Powers' Crossroads country store for the holidays, is chairperson for the applications and jury selection base.

She said she "would like to expand our artist base to include some new artists.

"I am especially looking to find some new, trendy, on the edge artists as well as more traditional art mediums that would be interested in showing their work this year for our 40th birthday," said Wetherington.

Applications are available for download at powersfestival.com and powersfestival.org. Put attn: Barbara Wetherington on the application so that she may give it special attention.

"If they are doing any local shows I would love to come and see their work," Wetherington added. Applicants may also e-mail Wetherington at barb347444@aol.com or cowetafestivals@charter.net or leave a phone message at 770-253-2011.

"I am really excited about finding new artists and seeing all the wonderful new things they are doing," she added.

"We are looking forward to a great 40th, and will be focusing this year on bringing in as many top-quality artists as we possibly can to help us celebrate," said Karen Jones, president of the Coweta Festivals Inc. board in a November interview.

Coweta Festivals, which owns and operates the festival and other events, including the Powers' Country Store, is made up of five non-profit organizations: the Newnan-Coweta Art Association, the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce, the Jaycees, Coweta County 4-H, and the Pilot Club.

Despite the poor economy, the 2009 festival was a success, Jones said in November.

"We surpassed our goal for gate receipts... That is very encouraging, considering the current state of the economy," Jones said.

"One of our most successful projects in 2009 to reinvolve our local community in this family-friendly festival was our donation of free tickets to our local schools," Jones said. "Many families that had not visited the festival in the past took advantage of their children's free guest tickets to attend and commented on how much they enjoyed the festival."

"Encouraging our own local community to come and enjoy the festival -- and learn what we stand for -- is one of our highest priorities," Jones said.

"We are, however, optimistic that we are indeed giving back to our community. And that is our main goal."