By Becky Golobsky
The Pierce City Fall Festival has expanded its scope with an open invitation to plein air artists to paint scenes from the town and promote the arts in the area.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, the public is invited to all the festivities in Pierce City’s South Park at 100 S. Elm. Admission is free. The event is hosted by the Pierce City Arts Council.
William Jeffrey Jones is just one of the artists who will participate in the new plein air event. Jones is the owner of The Clay Cup and Pottery Studio in Neosho. Plein air is a term referring to painting outdoors. Works will be on display and for sale in the late afternoon.
This year also includes local artists, such as April Davis of Carthage, who returns to offer painting lessons for all ages, and Tim Booyer of Booyer’s Welding in Neosho will demonstrate artisan welding. Booyer has been commissioned by Bass Pro Shops for his decorative metal works created for mailboxes and many other home and yard structures.
Handmade goods such as jewelry, pottery, crafts, artisan cookies, leather, woodwork and artisan healthcare products will be available. Blacksmith Jim Keebaugh will forge his craft early in the day. Other vendors, including a variety of food trucks, will fill the park, as well.
Activities for kids include junk art project making, Ozarks Knockerball, Gizmo’s Games and his new train ride.
Bring your lawn chairs for live entertainment. Neva Welters’ dulcimer; Robin’s Hood’s soft jazz, swing and the blues; a special acoustic performance by Pierce City’s own Mark Chapman; and singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Caleb Miller will take the stage throughout the day.
The sampling garden will feature samples from Pennington Wines of Carthage and Indian Springs Brewing Company of Neosho, and their products will be for sale. Guests 21 years and older will receive a souvenir wine glass for their sampling for a small donation.
Call 417.489.3041 for volunteer opportunities, membership, company or private sponsorship, vendor info (festival booth fee $35) and all other opportunities.
See more photos in the September 2023 print issue or online at www.showmetheozarks.com/archives
Pierce City Fall Festival includes plein air artists
