Ocean Springs, Miss. – The 48th annual Peter Anderson Festival turned the downtown streets into a lively gallery of color and creativity this weekend. Thousands of visitors from across the Gulf Coast gathered to celebrate the town’s deep‑rooted arts tradition.
Artists and Visitors Share the Experience
Long‑time attendees Amy and Fred Stickney, who travel from Daphne, Ala., said the festival is a must‑see event. “We live in a very artistic community as well, but something is very special here about Ocean Springs, and it’s always a never‑miss for us,” said Amy Stickney.
The couple, who have attended for five years, highlighted the festival’s ceramic displays. “Just to see how creative people are, and some of the things that are just so different about art in general… we really enjoy ceramics,” Fred Stickney added.
Veteran Ceramic Artists Return
For 45 years, ceramicist Brenda Stokes has driven from Navarre, Fla., to showcase her work at the festival. “This town is an art town; people appreciate art, and it’s just different from any festival we’ve ever done,” Stokes said. She and her studio, Holley Hill Pottery, view the event as more than a sales opportunity – it’s a chance to build lasting relationships. “What makes us proud is when they come back the next year with their ideas and order things for Christmas,” she explained.
Kaleidoscopes Bring Childhood Wonder
Kaleidoart’s Kathleen Hunt, traveling from Conway, S.C., displayed more than 20 types of kaleidoscopes made from stained glass and optical lenses. “Kaleidoscopes were my road‑trip toy when I was a little girl… I just think they’re magical,” Hunt said. Visitors of all ages expressed delight, recalling memories of childhood toys and discovering the craft for the first time.
“It’s just a wonderful thing to see people say, ‘I haven’t seen these since I was a kid,’” Hunt noted. “Sometimes an adult comes through and says they’ve never seen one before, and that’s really cool.”
Festival Highlights Community Spirit
The festival runs each Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a range of artistic demonstrations, live music, and local food vendors. Organizers emphasize that the event not only supports artists but also strengthens the town’s cultural identity.
Mayor Sam Jones praised the festival’s impact on the local economy and community cohesion. “The Peter Anderson Festival showcases the talent that makes Ocean Springs a destination for art lovers and families alike,” he said. “It’s a testament to our commitment to preserving a vibrant, family‑friendly downtown.”
As the weekend concluded, attendees left with handmade souvenirs, new friendships, and a shared appreciation for the creative spirit that defines Ocean Springs.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
