Did you ever wonder where the river that runs through Roswell got its name? “Chattahoochee” comes from the Creek language, meaning “rocks marked or painted”. Roswell Arts Fund wanted to reintroduce “The Festival of the Painted Rock”, popular from the late 70s through early 90s at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, garnering overwhelming support from the community to bring back this festival honoring the arts and nature.
“The Festival”, celebrates the confluence of art, music and nature in the gorgeous surroundings of the CNC. With Roswell Arts Fund and Chattahoochee Nature Center both celebrating milestone anniversaries, the festival aims to shine a spotlight on creativity and conservation, inspiring the next generation to continue this legacy. Scott Hitch, Board Chair of Roswell Arts Fund relays, “This year’s festival is more than a celebration, it’s a bold statement about the power of creativity and conservation to shape our city’s future.”
Festival attendees will experience top-notch musicians on two stages with Grammy Nominee, Maggie Rose headlining an impressive lineup of multi-genre musicians. Scott states, “In addition to live music, the festival features temporary art installations, interactive performances, and the unveiling of a new permanent sculpture by William Massey, curated by Roswell Arts Fund to commemorate the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s fiftieth anniversary.”
Attendees can enjoy 127 acres of nature as they wander trails for hidden art, seek wildlife and enjoy The Butterfly Encounter. Art by renowned artists such as Atlanta muralist Thomas Turner will be featured, as well as lesser-known artists. Take Keenan Sullivan for example. When his mother, Donna, grew frustrated because her son’s love of art could not adequately be expressed in his general art class because of physical limitations, she knew she had to find a place that would include people of all abilities. She founded “Papillon Place,” where differences can be honored. “We connect artists with and without developmental differences, create salable art and build a community through collaboration,” says Donna. Keenan and his colleagues are looking forward to showcasing their art and representing diverse ideas and mediums at the festival.
Festival goers can also enjoy a variety of culinary and beverages. Choosing from a pop-up beer garden by From the Earth Brewing Company, also brews from Variant Brewing accompanied by signature, elevated pub food. Tipsy Thaiger will also be serving its Thai-influenced street food.
Roswell’s art and music scene is making a resurgence thanks to Roswell Arts Fund and all that it's doing to bring community and artists together to share in the talents of creatives from all over. “The Festival of the Painted Rock” is poised to be a time-honored tradition, once again, bringing together people through the beauty that is created and that naturally surrounds us.
Join in the fun August 30, 12:30p.m. at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.
For more information visit www.FestivalofthePaintedRock.com.