“Magic of Marbling” Class; Wyatt Espalin Coming in October

Like everyone else, we’re excitedly waiting to feel that first touch of fall in the air. If you haven’t been in the gallery in recent months, please stop by and check out new artwork by many of our amazing artists. Pieces by some of our most popular artists move in and out rather quickly, so don’t miss out on that special work of art that may not be in the gallery for long.

Our visiting artist and instructor Anne Murray will lead a weekend class titled “The Magic of Marbling” September 26-27. The class features the ancient art of marbling, which involves floating paint on water, manipulating it, and then creating unique prints. While the class is already full, we will keep a waiting list in case of last-minute cancellations. Please see the contact information at the bottom of this article.

We have also booked Wyatt Espalin for a performance Friday, Oct. 2, from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance.

According to his bio, Espalin is an award-winning singer-songwriter, fiddler, and storyteller whose music captures the raw beauty of his Appalachian roots. Raised on a rustic campground in North Georgia by his maternal grandparents, Espalin began his musical journey with championship-winning clogging and Appalachian buck dancing before he developed a passion for songwriting and performance.

His artistry has been recognized through numerous accolades, including winning the 2014 L.E.A.F. Festival New Song Singer-Songwriter Competition and being named a finalist in prestigious events such as the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest, the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase, and the Songwriter Serenade. Espalin has also shared the stage with an impressive lineup of artists, including the Indigo Girls, Jim Lauderdale, Patty Loveless, Shawn Mullins, Lorrie Morgan, and Sam Bush, among many others.

In 2026, Espalin will release his debut full-length album, “Lies From A Lonesome Valley,” featuring his band, The Riverstones, and special guest appearances by Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls and singer-songwriter Grace Pettis. This collection of songs reflects Espalin’s deep introspection on identity, belonging and the search for home. Blending haunting melodies, evocative storytelling and rich instrumentation, the album presents his songwriting through a new lens, equally suited to intimate duo performances or full-band arrangements.

Espalin’s personal history informs his music in profound ways. Born in Los Angeles to parents serving in the U.S. Navy, his early years were marked by instability, moving between homes and enduring family struggles. After years of upheaval, he and his brother found stability with their grandparents in the North Georgia mountains. It was there that Espalin discovered his love for performing, first as a clogger alongside his brother and then as a self-taught fiddler inspired by the traditional sounds of Appalachian music.

His journey into songwriting began in high school, influenced by a youth minister who composed songs for church gatherings. Over time, Espalin honed his craft, using music as a form of healing and self-expression. In recent years, he has brought that healing to veterans as a writer with Warrior Week and Music Therapy of the Rockies songwriting projects, as well as Beyond Bars, a prison songwriting program sponsored by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, Florida. His songs, rich with vivid storytelling and emotional depth, resonate with audiences across the country, whether performed in a small listening room or on a festival stage.

Beyond music, Espalin embraces his Appalachian heritage, enjoying camping, hiking, rafting, and kayaking. His connection to nature and his past continues to shape his artistry, making him a standout voice in contemporary folk and Americana music. As he prepares for the release of “Lies From A Lonesome Valley,” Espalin remains a compelling performer, weaving together the threads of his past into music that is both deeply personal and universally moving.

Randy Grider is executive director of the Mentone Arts Center. He can be reached by email at mentoneartscenter@gmail.com or by phone at 256-674-3366.