Art in the Hills returns with Dogwood Festival

Spring has arrived in Vestavia Hills with its annual Dogwood Festival, a community event sponsored by the Vestavia Beautification Board to celebrate the natural beauty of the city. Proceeds from the festival aid in the purchase of trees and seasonal holiday décor for City Hall, the Senior Lodge and the Dogwood Room.

The festival includes three days of exciting activities including the Vestavia Belles Presentation and Garden Party, Art in the Hills, the spring yard judging and the Dogwood Luncheon. 

The festival was created in 1964 to celebrate the beauty of dogwood trees in Vestavia Hills and has since transformed into a celebration of art, the community and the natural beauty of the city.

Since 1979, Vestavia Hills Belles have served their community as official junior hostesses at local events, as well as civic volunteers. The belles are comprised of Vestavia Hills sophomore, junior and senior girls who serve their city with good character and passion for philanthropy.

Art in the Hills will be celebrating its third year at the festival April 9 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at its new location: Vestavia Hills City Hall. 

According to Art in the Hills chairperson Cindy Bartlett, there will be a wide variety of art showcased from more than 45 local vendors.

“We moved Art in the Hills from the Vestavia City Center to City Hall for its ample space and scenic view, and to add an area for food trucks, a new addition to this year’s event, showcasing a wide variety of foods — mostly from Vestavia vendors,” Bartlett said.

Art in the Hills was created to connect with members of the community on a larger scale. This year’s theme, “A Life Above,” is part of the city’s rebranding efforts, “focusing on the high values and hopes for the citizens of Vestavia,” resident Joanie Alfano said.

Art in the Hills is also a part of Vestavia Hills’ High Notes series, “focusing on the good things that are a part of our city: its highlights,” Alfano said. “Since this event is growing each year, we are so pleased and excited to be able to hold Art in The Hills at City Hall which will enable us to showcase all that is beautiful in Vestavia.”

Bartlett added: “We’ll have a wide variety of two- and three-dimensional art: oil, water color, acrylic, mixed media, woodwork, pottery, jewelry, photography, candles and cast-iron work.” 

In addition to the art, there will be food, music, balloon animals for kids and an art contest for students K-12, with cash prizes ranging from $25-$100 for each grade level. Winners will also have their art displayed at City Hall during the month of April.

“There is a wonderful amount of participation within the community,” Bartlett said. “We have great support from Vestavia junior high and high school students who help set up and volunteer at the event.”

Since the first Art in the Hills in 2014, the event has gained more traction in the community. Bartlett owes the event’s success to the “fabulous people working on the committee.”

“We have a high number in attendance and now we’re getting the word out a lot better,” Bartlett said.

Featured photographer George Elliott will be participating in the event again this year, bringing a variety of digital landscape photographs with an emphasis on coastal and mountain scenes.

“Art in the Hills is another noteworthy addition to the already fine list of Vestavia Hills' annual events. It is one of the best new shows I’ve participated in,” Elliott said. “It’s well-managed, well-publicized and artist-friendly.”

Jennifer Coggin will be displaying original pencil and charcoal sketches, as well as mixed media canvases.

“I have participated in Art in The Hills for the past two years and have thoroughly enjoyed it,” Coggin said. “As a resident of Vestavia, I am so proud that my city recognizes and encourages artists in and around our community, right down to the mayor personally thanking us for exhibiting our work.”

Local watercolorist Carolyn Collins said: “For the past two years, I've shown my framed watercolor paintings at Art in the Hills. The energetic volunteers have made this a fun event, both for the artists and those attending. The new venue at City Hall will turn this into a not to be missed event.”