Saturday, September 20th will mark the 10th Anniversary of the Monte Sano Art Show. Always the 3rd Saturday in September, this free show has something for everyone with arts, crafts, food and music. When Debra Simpson created the Monte Sano Art Show in 1999 she never imagined that it would grow into the major event it has become today. It began as a bit of a “Show and Tell” event she put together for an art class that she was teaching… she wanted her students to learn more about the “business side” of art. (How to apply to exhibit in a show, prepare, and then present their work… she wanted to build their self confidence and learn how to market themselves.)

As she began planning this small show for her class word of mouth spread throughout the community and she was approached by other local artists who also wanted to participate. A friend offered the parking lot of her office on Monte Sano Blvd as the location and a group of almost 30 artists gathered on October 30th, 1999, to present what was to become the first annual Monte Sano Art Show. The show was a success on many levels.

Not only did Debra’s students successfully prepare for the show and exhibit their work, a large number of people came to the show and much to the delight of everyone involved a lot of the art on display was quickly marked “Sold”! No sooner had that first show ended than Debra was approached about when and where the next show would be held, so she agreed to have another one the following fall. For several years they hosted subsequent shows at the Monte Sano Club Pool and then in 2004, having outgrown this location, they moved the show to MonteSanoState Park where it has been held ever since.

When you talk to Debra about the history of the show she immediately begins naming names and giving credit to the many people who have volunteered their time and energy over the years to turn her little “Show and Tell” into one of the best free regional art shows in the country. The Monte Sano Art Show began as both a teaching and learning opportunity and even through its phenomenal growth they have always stayed true to that ideal. Since it’s a non-profit event a small amount of the monies earned from the show are divided up into awards for the participants.

The rest of the money is filtered back into the community through charitable donations to schools, teachers, and many different organizations that support the arts. It wouldn’t be possible to name all of the people who’ve played a part in presenting this gift to our community for the past ten years, as there are far too many to even begin listing here. It’s definitely fair to say that the Monte Sano Art Show has been a labor of love for a multitude of people and without them we wouldn’t have had this wonderful event to enjoy year after year.

This year’s show promises to be the biggest and best yet. Each year various artists are invited to return and new artists are allowed to submit an application to take part. There are a maximum number of spaces that the show can accommodate, and there are always more applicants than spaces so it’s quite an honor to be selected as an exhibitor. With over 140 participants registered for this year’s show you’re guaranteed to find an amazing variety of art and media exhibits to enjoy… with truly something for everyone.

This year’s featured artists include Conor O’Brien, Marcia Leonard, Wade Warton and Savannah Lees-Haley. The focus of the show has always been on visual art, but over the years different local musicians have volunteered their talents so the day has slowly become filled with music, too. This year’s acts include mohr4, Fred Sanders’ Group, Maple Hill Band, and in what has become a bit of tradition the show will be closed by Rhythm for the Savage Masses.

Add in some good food along with the beauty of Monte Sano State Park and you’ve got the makings of a great Saturday. Pack a picnic and bring a friend or your pet… be sure not to miss the 10th Annual Monte Sano Art Show!

To find out more about the event please visit www.MonteSanoArtShow.org

Categories: Huntsville
Tags: huntsvill events, monte sano art show