At the Sparkman Arts Festival, these members of Future Teachers of Alabama, complete with face painting, hosted a crafts table for sand art. (Contributed/Eden Lauren Photography)

HARVEST – A dream come true for English teacher Renee Quaife, the premiere Sparkman Arts Festival allowed community artists, crafters and authors to showcase their talents.

Quaife described the festival as a ‘miniature Panoply’. Sparkman’s literary magazine, “The Silhouette,” sponsored the campus event on Sept. 21. Teachers, administrators and residents witnessed the talent at Sparkman, “which adds to the pride we have in our school,” Quaife said.

From 35 participating vendors, six were Sparkman students, two alumni, two teachers and 25 residents.

Student Adler Salem presented Adler’s Apiary. Jake Driver’s garage band, Top Bunk, includes James Owens, Abi Kunkle, Leslie Devore and Jaiden Browne. Other students were Eden Fletcher, Eden Lauren Photography; Harleigh Bass, studio bass artists; and Tanner Huff, cigar-box guitars and cutting boards.

Sparkman alumni included Victoria Jones, singer/songwriter, and Jason Russell, author/motivational speaker. Art Club offered face painting. Future Teachers of Alabama created sand art.

Top Bunk performed original and cover songs. Driver, who also exhibited visual art including a tribute to “The Tell-Tale Heart,” said, “My art could be described as chaotic, surreal, but it goes together. Performing at the festival, as a musician, was … an awesome experience all in all.”

Other vendors sold handmade pens, fine art, woodworking designs, sewing creations, cakes, monogrammed clothing, greeting cards and jewelry. “Everything sold was personally crafted or created by the vendor,” Quaife said.

Entertaining the audience were Valley Conservatory, Alexander’s Martial Arts and Adonai School of Dance. Food Fighters, Badd Newz BBQ and Tropical Sno sold concessions. English teacher Evan Carter was master of ceremonies. Tim Batt coordinated sound.

Helping with the festival, Sparkman senior Sara McGugian assisted Quaife, along with creative writing students, Writers’ Club and “The Silhouette ” staff.

“The Silhouette” staff members compile poetry, short stories, artwork, photography, music and videos that Sparkman students submit. “Last year’s magazine was 200 pages and included a CD with original songs, videos and dramatic readings. We compete on the state and national levels,” Quaife said.