Hoover Celebrates Art at the 61st Bluff Park Art Show
On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the town of Hoover came alive with color and creativity during the annual Bluff Park Art Show, which once again transformed Bluff Park Community Park into a vibrant marketplace for local and regional artists. This year marked the event’s 61st anniversary, drawing in thousands of visitors eager to explore the artistic offerings.
Best in Show Awarded to Local Teacher
The highlight of the show was the announcement of the Best in Show award, which went to Danielle Tickell, an art teacher from McAdory High School. Tickell’s captivating piece, which features a two-story house with veins symbolizing familial connections, impressed both the audience and the judges alike.
Her artwork represents the imperfections of family life. “A home is not perfect, and the people that are in it are not perfect, but it’s those people that kind of make up the family,” Tickell explained. “There are a lot of dings and dents, and a lot of things fall apart on a regular basis, like it does with our family also, but I love it.”
Judges Praise Talent
The judge for the event, Rod Bigelow, who serves as executive director at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, commended Tickell’s technical skill and the vivid nature of her piece. “It just pops off the canvas. It’s gorgeous,” he remarked.
A Diverse Show of Artists
This year, around 120 artists participated, showcasing a variety of pieces ranging from paintings to ceramics. Many of the artists hailed from Alabama, but others traveled from states such as Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and even as far as Rhode Island. This diverse representation helped create a rich tapestry of art for attendees to enjoy.
Community Engagement and Activities
Throughout the day, visitors strolled through the park, taking in the colorful tents and lively atmosphere. The event featured live music performed by local artists James Quackenbush and Alice Bargeron, adding to the festive mood.
The kids weren’t left out either, as a kids’ art corner sponsored by the Girl Scouts allowed children to explore their own creativity through fun art projects. Food stalls, including favorites like G.R.’s Smokehouse and Cookie Fix, kept everyone refreshed and satisfied.
Visitors Share Their Experiences
Hoover residents, Jim and Darcy Terry, were enthusiastic about their visit. “There’s just so many cool things,” Darcy stated. The couple enjoys browsing various booths rather than seeking out specific artists. This year, they ended up purchasing a painting by Juanita Weldon from Tyrone, Georgia, along with a few other unique pieces for their grandchildren.
Prize Money and Recognition
Tickell walked away with a check for $2,500 for her Best in Show entry. In total, the show awarded $10,800 in prize money to various artists, showcasing the commitment to supporting local talent.
Other Notable Award Winners
The event featured several other awards announced throughout the day:
- Chelsea Bird: Bluff Park Art Association Board of Directors Award
- Mark Harris: Hugh Dye Memorial Award for Best New Artist
- Paveen Beer Chunhaswasdikul: Sara Perry Memorial Award
- Brittany Coror Moore: August A. and Cary Moore Memorial Award
- Ahmad Austin: BPAA Award in honor of show judge, Rod Bigelow
As the sun set, participants packed up their booths, carrying with them not just artwork and prizes but also a sense of community and creativity that the Bluff Park Art Show continues to foster year after year.
