Thousands of artists, vendors and spectators are expected for the 19th annual Jean Lake Festival to be held at the Pike Pioneer Museum just off U.S. 231 this weekend. The festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Charlotte Gibson, who directs the museum, said naming the festival for Lake was fitting because of the years she dedicated to the arts in Pike County before she lost her battle against cancer. She always looked for beauty wherever she went. Susan Mitchell, administrative assistant at the museum, said artists from Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Georgia have entered exhibits, which will be on display throughout the weekend.
Judges determine in advance if items are eligible for contest consideration.
Lake's artistic inspiration affected many in Pike County, said Vicky Sanders, who also helps promote the festival. There was just no downside to her. She had friends everywhere and was a tireless worker for good causes. Jean recorded a lot of southern heritage before people began to realize the importance of doing that. She started by focusing her painting on sharecroppers and tenant farmers.