When I first participating in art fairs, over 30 years ago, there was a big crafts show in Newnan, GA, Powers' Crossroads.
When it was founded in 1971 by local artist Tom Powers on his family’s property, the Powers’ Crossroads Country Fair and Arts Festival was something new and it was extremely popular. Some of the finest artists and artisans in the South exhibited at Powers Crossroads, and many demonstrated their crafts. There was even a moonshine-making demonstration.
It was very popular and people poured in to shop and eat and have a great time. It was held for the last time in 2012. If you are interested in the ins and outs of this business, like I am, this article chronicles the rise and fall of what was once a very popular regional event and the mainstay of some artists and craftspeoples income.
From the Newnan Times-Herald:http://times-herald.com/news/2017/07/powers-is-gone-coweta-festivals-is-no-more
Anyone here have more information on this? Did you ever do this fair?
Comments
Connie, I have not thought of Bob until just the other day. Was telling Lu about Him calling me to ask if I was doing Cincinnati Summerfair. He had a Giraffe Sculpture that he was delivering to a customer in Indian Hills in Cincinnati. (The richest area of Cincy) and need some help to set up as his worker had injured himself. This was so big he had to check the bridge heights so he could get from Colfax, Il. to Cincy. He had to take the neck off to get under the bridges. It took a small crane to unload and install this sculpture. Bob and Donna were special people.
Right! I knew there was big money being made there, Wally. I've heard those stories before. I remember Bob Cumpston, who welded sculpture from farm implements -- really cool, I've seen a piece of his on antiques roadshow, nearly selling out at Columbus Winterfair and leaving after 2 days driving home to somewhere in Illinois and refilling so he could finish the show. Never happened to us.
Lu exhibited at Powers for several yeas in the 70's - 80's. The show was plagued by frequent rain to the point it would become a mud pit. The festival began its down hill slide when Harriet Alexander was no longer in control, she ran a tight ship and it became to slip with out her.
We were near the 4-H chicken booth and got to know the 4-H leaders fairly well. We were told that there hardest decision was where to spent their profits. They would sponsor just about any project that a 4-H'er wanted to try.
The couple across from us who had a permanent booth and sold decorated Wreaths and antique redecorated furniture use to park a Semi behind there booth. They expected to make $100,000 each year.