Need weekend plans? Check out Crossroads Folk Art Festival in Columbus

The Crossroads Folk Art Festival, described by organizers as “a free, family-friendly celebration of handmade visual art and folk music,” is back for its second year in Columbus.

It’s scheduled for May 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Rose Hill Heights Park. Admission is free and open to the public The park is next to the Columbus Collective Museums, 3218 Hamilton Road.

According to the event’s Facebook page, the festival features handmade folk art, live acoustic folk music “rooted in Southern tradition,” artist talks, classic and outsider vehicles (such as Ralph Frank’s art van), poetry and creative experiences — all set in a family-friendly environment.

“It’s going to be a seamless, intertwined, interactive experience all day long,” said folk artist Kaitlynn Etheridge, the festival organizer and director of the museum. “Once you step into the park, you’re probably going to feel like you’ve been submerged into something that you probably didn’t know you were getting yourself into, and it’s going to be fun.”

So, what’s folk art?

“It’s. ‘I found a board on the side of the road and a spring from a mattress, and I’m going to make some art out of it,’” Etheridge said. “It’s accessible to everyone, lets people tell their stories in their own way and can serve as therapy art and more.”

““You can’t put it in a box.,” she said, “You just can’t.”

Etheridge said artists participating in the event span the spectrum of age and experience from 12-year-old student artist Selah Marchio to well-known folk potter Ned Berry, who said he began making pottery in 1991.

“You don’t have to go to art school to be an artist,” Berry told the Ledger-Enquirer, “You don’t have to be trained, you know. You train yourself.”

Berry said events like this festival give artists the opportunity to get themselves and their work before larger audiences — and perhaps grow their name recognition.

Folk artist Jarrod Turner’s work focuses on found objects. He said festivals are a good opportunity for people to connect with others and realize you don’t need to make a big investment to become an artist and a creator.

“You don’t need to go spend a bunch of money at the big box stores to find stuff,” Turner told the Ledger-Enquirer, “I mean, you can paint on cardboard, you can paint on anything, paint on cereal boxes, and that’s kind of a fun idea. Go buy some cereal, and paint on the box, and go sell the box, and buy more cereal.”

New this year at the festival is The Makin’ Station, staffed by Dian Sutton, who will lead clay and pottery activities for kids of all ages.

“Whether you’re a 50-year-old kid or a 5-year-old kid, you can be involved,” Etheridge said.

Wendy Steelmon will staff a tie-dye tent.

“You can bring your own things to tie-dye, or we’re going to have some stuff on site that you can tie-dye and just pick up and use,” Etheridge said.

Crossroads Folk Art Festival music schedule

Food will be available, and musical acts are scheduled throughout the day. Here’s the band schedule:

• 10:30–11:30 a.m. Jack Dylan

• 12:15–12:45 p.m. Below Average

• 1–2 p.m. Barefoot Squirrel

• 2:30–3:15 p.m. Jackson Tanner Duo

• 3:45–4:30 p.m. BB Palmer

• 5:30-6 p.m. BB Palmer and Jackson Tanner duo jam session.

“What we’re trying to do really is just connect a lot of dots and bring it all together right here in the heart of Columbus, Georgia,” Etheridge said.