JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
It's a celebration of creativity this weekend at the Trademart in Jackson.
The craftsmen have spent hours in their workshops and the finished products are on display this weekend in the 36th annual Chimneyville Crafts Festival.
Artists say some Mississippians may be surprised by the talent right in their own backyard.
"Mississippians are just plain creative. That's all there is to it and this is sort of...we're showing off," said Nancy White Perkins, Executive Director of The Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi.
Artist Joseph Horn of Terry carves and paints intricate birds from Tupelo wood.
"Something unique, one of a kind it is highly collectible and every piece I ever do and I think most people here, it's numbered, dated and signed," said Horn.
Jacksonian Elaine Peterson carefully paints artwork directly onto feathers she gets from local farmers, pet-owners and zoos.
"It's something different. Most people haven't seen it. There are not very many people in this part of the country that are doing this," Peterson said.
These artists say it is the best way to Christmas shop because you can hear the background stories on how each piece was made.
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
