Annual ARToberfest Set to Celebrate Local Talent on October 25

The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts is gearing up to host the 8th annual ARToberfest on October 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This vibrant festival will take place in the Turner Center Art Park, located at 605 N. Patterson St. The event is free and welcomes the public, aiming to celebrate local and regional artistic talent while marking National Arts & Humanities Month.

ARToberfest has become a key fixture for both the Turner Center and the Valdosta community. The festival provides a platform for numerous artist vendors to showcase and sell their works, allowing them to connect with art enthusiasts and potential buyers. This year, attendees can expect to find a diverse range of artistic expressions, reinforcing the arts’ significant role in enriching community life.

Exciting Activities and Competitions

The festival will feature a variety of engaging activities beyond the art vendors. Attendees can enjoy pottery demonstrations, flameworking, and rug hooking, along with live music performances. Children will have access to free activities, including professional face painting, trackless train rides, and a petting zoo courtesy of Fifth Day Farm. Additionally, there will be opportunities for pumpkin painting and a selection of food and beverage vendors to satisfy all tastes.

One of the highlights of ARToberfest is the plein air painting contest, which is open to participants aged 18 and older. The competition will award cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place, incentivizing artists to demonstrate their skills in a live setting.

Participation and Sponsorship

Artists interested in participating in the festival must register with the Regional Artist Community (RAC) for a fee of $75. This membership includes a free vendor booth at ARToberfest, the chance to sell artworks in the Turner Center Gift Shop, and participation in the annual RAC Gallery Exhibit.

The success of the 8th Annual ARToberfest is made possible through the support of various sponsors, including Blanton and Griffin Insurance, the Center for the Arts Guild, the Georgia Council for the Arts, and Renasant Bank, among others. Their contributions reflect a community commitment to fostering the arts.

For those seeking more information about ARToberfest, including a full schedule of events and details on participation, please contact the Turner Center at (229) 247-2787 or visit their website at turnercenter.org.