A Season of Art and Gratitude

Creative Spirit Market

The 9th Annual Creative Spirit Market returns to DeSoto State Park on Saturday, Nov. 8, and Sunday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. each day. Hosted by DeSoto State Park and the Little River Arts Council, the market is set amid the park’s breathtaking autumn scenery. This open-air art fair blends creativity and community in one unforgettable weekend. Visitors enjoy live acoustic music, browse locally and regionally made fine and folk art, and watch artists at work — from chair caning to weaving to metalworking. The market also features interactive art stations for kids and adults, inviting everyone to get creative. It’s the perfect spot for early holiday shopping, with unique, handcrafted gifts and original artwork available for purchase. Warm up by the stone fireplace in the CCC pavilion, bring a camp chair, and stay awhile to enjoy the music. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Location: Near DeSoto State Park’s picnic area across from the Country Store on County Road 89.

Parking: $2 per vehicle in the picnic area; no admission fee for the market.

Live Artist Demonstrations

• Patti Baird – Fabric Weaving
• Keena Graham – Finger Weaving
• Laurel Hudson – Copper Forging
• Layne Stone – Chair Caning
• Cassilda Brown (Willow Gypsy Rustic) – Bent Willow Craft & Chair Caning

Live Music Schedule

Saturday

• 10:00 – Judy Nicole Kirby
• 11:15 – Lisa Crow
• 12:30–3:00 – Elisha Tatum & Derek Whisenant

Sunday

• 10:00 – Linda Arthur
• 11:15 – Lisa Crow & Jim Wallis
• 12:30 – Judy Nicole Kirby

Made possible in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and members like you.

Lisa Sulkosky Makes Her Mark on Mentone

The newest chalk mural on the grounds of the Mentone Inn invites passersby to pause and notice “the small things that take our breath away.” Artist Lisa Sulkosky explains, “This design reflects my love for Mentone — such a tiny gem of a town — and the beautiful little wonders you can discover in the woods when you take time to look closely.” Make Your Mark on Mentone is located on the grounds of the Mentone Inn on the corner of AL Hwy 117 and County Road 89.

Giving Thanks to Our Volunteers and Members

Did you know LRAC is 100% volunteer run? From our hands-on board of directors to those who staff the Little River Art Gallery, our programs thrive because of a dedicated team of helpers. This month, we celebrate the heart of LRAC — our volunteers:

Helen Allen, Brande Arno, David Cummings, Chris Davenport, Kathy Dyleski, Sharon Morris, Tiffany Parnell, Sandra Perry, Rhea Pirch, Mary Ann Robbins, and Barbara Umland.

Your time, talent, and spirit make everything we do possible. Thank you! We’re equally grateful to our annual members, whose support keeps LRAC financially strong and fuels the arts in our community. Membership dollars provide vital resources for programs that serve artists, families, and visitors of all ages. Membership is open to everyone. You don’t have to be an artist to join. Our members come from across the Southeast, united by a shared belief that art is for everyone!

Moon Lake Arts Collective

We’re deeply grateful for the generous community helping bring the Moon Lake Arts Collective to life! So far, we’ve raised $108,425 — including $63,350 in grants and $46,075 in community donations. Fundraising continues, and momentum grows as excitement spreads through Mentone and beyond.

Thank you to our generous donors:

Lesa & David Cummings • Pudden McArthur • Sandra & Ken Perry • Ken Shigley • Cynthia Stinson • Adelaide Drennen • Ginger Beshears • Sharon Bienert • Susan Freeman

Recognition & Giving Levels

Every donor will be recognized on our Donor Wall inside the new studio. Gifts of $2,500+ will be honored with a metal oak leaf on the outdoor Donor Tree, symbolizing the deep roots of Moon Lake School and the creative growth now taking root here. Add your leaf today! Visit littleriverarts
council.org and click on Moon Lake Arts Collective!