ART Clinton 2025 to Showcase Local Talent and Boost Community Spirit

February 4, 2025

Expanding on Last Year’s Success

After a successful inaugural year, ART Clinton is returning in April 2025 with ambitious plans to expand its impact on the community. Launched in 2024, ART Clinton was designed as a city-wide festival to promote local visual artists and drive foot traffic to area businesses. Rather than hosting all exhibits in a single location, the festival strategically distributed artwork across local establishments, ensuring increased exposure for both artists and business owners.

2024 Event Highlights

Last year’s event featured approximately 90 works of art created by 22 artists and displayed across 17 businesses. The artwork entries were judged by an impartial juror in three categories: 2-Dimensional, 3-Dimensional, and Textile, with awards presented to a “Best in Show” winner and the top three entries in each category. In total, ten prizes were awarded at a central reception, where each artist’s work was represented in a gallery-style setting. Amidst live music and a lively gathering of art enthusiasts, cash prizes totaling $1,100 were distributed.

ART Battles and Community Engagement

Adding to the excitement, ART Clinton introduced two outdoor ART Battles, where six artists engaged in a live, themed, and timed painting competition. Spectators enjoyed music and cast their votes for their favorite creations, creating an energetic and engaging atmosphere in uptown Clinton.

Goals for ART Clinton 2025

Looking ahead to ART Clinton 2025, organizers are working to surpass last year’s participation by securing additional business partnerships, increasing the number of artists, and raising more funds for awards and event activities. A key goal is to attract more 3-D artists working in diverse materials, such as wood, glass, stone, plaster, clay, wire, metal, recyclables, and plastic. Additionally, textile artists specializing in weaving, dyeing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, felting, and quilting are encouraged to participate.

Art as a Means of Healing

Following the devastation caused by the Musgrove Fire and Hurricane Helene, ART Clinton is more than an art exhibit—it’s an opportunity for healing and community rebuilding. Organizers hope that by bringing people together through the visual arts, the city will experience a renewed sense of connection and support.

How to Participate

“We believe in the power of art to uplift and unite,” said Jeannie Browning, ART Clinton organizer. “Our local artists have so much to offer, and our small businesses benefit from the increased visibility. We encourage everyone to support this initiative by visiting the exhibits, purchasing original artwork, and helping to grow our local economy.”

Artists interested in submitting work or participating in an ART Battle can contact Jeannie Browning through the ART Clinton Facebook page or via email at [email protected]. Businesses and corporations interested in sponsoring ART Clinton 2025 are also invited to reach out to contribute to this growing cultural event.