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Show Review Archives > 2008 > JANUARY
 

November 3-4, Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, Ocean Springs, MS

November 3-4, Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, Ocean Springs. Contact: Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce, 1000 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs, MS 39564; phone 228-875-4424. E-mail: mail@oceanspringschamber.com. Web site: www.oceanspringschamber.com. Application fee: $20. Space fee: $200, plus $50 for electricity. Space size: 10x12. Exhibitors: 300. Attendance: 80,000 (staff estimate).

By T'Louise
Arkansas Reporter
E-mail: bayoupetite@aol.com
Medium: 2-D mixed media, photography

The Peter Anderson Festival is held in the heart of downtown Ocean Springs. The show is ranked as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's top 20 events of the year.

I spoke with a wood artist who gave the 29th annual Festival 10s all the way around. Actually, nearly everyone I spoke with gave the show top marks in all categories - with the exception of load-in, which can be difficult, especially if you are alone. Load-in begins Saturday morning at 6, and streets are not closed until that time, so don't think about loading in early. You must be completely set up and have your vehicle out of the area by 8:30 a.m.

Just a few days prior to the show, the Biloxi Bay Bridge was reopened. (Hurricane Katrina had destroyed the bridge in August 2005.) That might have helped with the attendance, which was estimated at 80,000 - and many artists thought the crowds exceeded that amount. And you could not have asked for better weather. It was gorgeous!

One potter reported his/her best show ever, a local photographer made about $3,500, and a mixed media artist reported sales of $4,200, with average transactions of $50. In fact, several artists in every category were happy with sales and would return.

There were hospitality rooms set up throughout the Festival grounds, and refreshments and restrooms were available to the artists. In addition, the quality of artwork was very high, with lots and lots of pottery. Speaking of pottery, the Festival honors potter Peter Anderson for his dedication to and passion for his art. Anderson had a reputation as a master. Though the show is named for him, it is the collaborative effort and art of Peter and his brothers, Walter and Mac, that brought this unique pottery to the area. The children and grandchildren of the Anderson brothers continue to produce pottery of undisputed perfection. Show organizers also take pride in the broad array of other mediums present at the Festival.