Art Splash Returns to Historic Norcross

‘Magical’ downtown is the perfect backdrop for food, fun and art of all kinds.

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Although this should have been its 19th year, the Norcross Art Splash Festival will take place this fall for the 18th time. Like many community gatherings, COVID prevented the 2020 celebration, but organizers plan to make up for it with plenty of fun and art. For the 2022 event, the downtown streets of Historic Norcross will once again come alive with colorful and whimsical exhibitor displays in front of the enchanting downtown shops and restaurants — the perfect venue for the popular fall celebration of the arts! Splash Festivals, producers of the event, held it in Lillian Webb Park last year, but decided to return to its roots in the magical downtown district. “Moving it to the park last year was a way to come back and be a little safer, and it was fine,” said Frances Schube, Splash Festivals co-owner. “But the festival really needs the magic of downtown. It is very Americana looking. …And it really is magical — especially at night with the lights and the cobblestone walkways.” Cindy Flynn, Splash Festivals co-owner, and a Norcross resident, agreed. “We are so fortunate to have the ambiance and charming Americana feel of Historic Norcross, and we wanted festivalgoers to enjoy strolling along the train-lined streets. Visitors come from all over metro-Atlanta and beyond to see our beautiful town,” she said adding that the artists love the friendly volunteers and buyers. The festival logo was created by Patti Long, this year’s featured artist from Knoxville, Tenn. She created a happy ostrich with loads of character that organizers said is just perfect for the volunteers’ t-shirts.

As the name implies, volunteers aren’t paid for their efforts in money, but Schube emphasized that they really are the backbone of the event and make it such a great success every year. “The volunteers are very loyal to Norcross and they’re almost like family,” said Schube. “They get here early, stay late and have a great time in between.” She added that what makes the event so special is the pride the residents have in their city. That’s why she wanted to make sure the complimentary t-shirts really fit with the energy and spirit of the festival. “I love that it’s so vibrant,” she said. “That’s typically what we look for every year, something whimsical. A lot of young people like that kind of cottage-looking style, but I still look for color, color, color!” Long’s company, Cheerful Heart Art, is all about bringing smiles to the faces of new customers and repeat fans who can’t seem to get enough of her quirky critters, added Schube.

of decorated chairs — and other wood furniture — from local students who look forward each October to selling their special creations to raise money for their schools. The schools, primarily in the Norcross Cluster, have chairs donated to them from various sources. The kids, from kindergarten to 12th grade, paint the chairs and sell them at the Art Splash. Norcross Elementary Art Teacher Bobbie Adamsczyk (left) with aa family that participated in Chairs for Charity “They are really cute, and we have a booth where they sell them and they use that money to help their art departments,” said Schube. Although Norcross Elementary Art Teacher Bobbie Adamczyk hasn’t been involved with the project from the inception, she’s been involved for the past 13 years. When a friend, who was an art teacher at the time but is now retired, asked her to help with Chairs for Charity, her response was an immediate “Yes!” “It provides a meaningful school-community connection and is a relevant art education advocacy venue,” she said. “It is also a wonderful service-learning opportunity for students.” As the chair for the Chairs for Charity event, Adamczyk said her role is mainly as a facilitator and a liaison among the schools and with Splash Festivals. “I fell in love with it,” she said. “Anything that empowers our students and gives us an opportunity to not just get the art out there, but also give our children a chance to serve is wonderful.”

Arts, crafts, food and fun

Of course, a huge draw is vendors selling treasures in handmade clay, jewelry, woodwork, metal art, fiber, mixed media, folk art, culinary treats, photography, glass — and so many unique finds. “These talented makers hope shoppers will come out and support them, as they have lots of great items to sell,” said Schube. “Georgia Grown members will showcase their goods during the weekend and customers can expect to find some real treats.” There will also be food trucks on site serving up delicious festival cuisine. “Come hungry!” Schube encouraged. The entertainment will be in Thrasher Park, along with something special for the younger members of the crowd — the always-exciting Kidz Zone with thrilling inflatables and creative crafts. The food court and the food trucks will be at Jones Street and Wingo. The artists and vendors will be on South Peachtree and Jones streets.

Art teaches service

A feature that is near and dear to her heart, said Schube, is Chairs for Charity, an exhibit The program has grown to become an exhibit in the Duluth Artwalk. “People get to see the chairs and it promotes what the kids can do,” Adamczyk said. “It kind of empowers the kids. I’ve seen students standing there and somebody buys something they worked on. It kind of takes your breath away for a minute because they realize that somebody bought something they created and it’s going to be in somebody else’s home and used and seen and serve a purpose,” she said. “That’s kind of mind blowing for somebody who’s in fifth grade.” The funds don’t just buy art supplies. For example, Adamczyk’s class buys clay and makes Christmas ornaments that they sell during the holidays. That money is then donated to Habitat for Humanity to pay for a window, paint, nails — whatever. “We might make $250 at the Art Splash, but that can turn into a lot more. We’ve raised over $1,500, to help buy stuff for a house that helps someone in need,” said Adamczyk. “They’re learning philanthropy; they’re learning how to be part of a community.”

Post-pandemic pick-me-up

Schube was concerned last year that COVID may have put an irreversible depressant on the festival. What she has seen is the complete opposite. “Being cooped at home for more than a year made people want to get out and live,” she said. “They want fun and happiness and bright spots. It does feel good to buy something happy and colorful and kind of fun.” Another silver lining from the pandemic is that artists were able to let their creativity fly.“I believe that a lot of them were able to amass quite a bit to sell. And a few of them experimented with new mediums and new techniques,” said Schube. “I think the crowds are going to really enjoy that.”

Norcross Art Splash Festival

Historic Norcross Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, October 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For information, go to SplashFestivals.com.