By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Chilton County Arts Festival has changed dates this year and participation has already increased.

Festival coordinator Mack Gothard said the festival, which was traditionally held in November, will be held in July this year.

More than 40 artists will show their work during the seventh annual festival on July 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clanton Performing Arts Center on the Jefferson State Community College Chilton-Clanton Campus.

Gothard said the festival “had too much competition” for participants and attendees during November.

“No one has festivals in July because it’s too hot [but] we are inside, that’s what makes the difference,” Gothard said.

The change in season has drawn artists from out-of-county and even one from out-of-state to participate in this year’s event.

“I have at least 12 new vendors that have never been there before,” Gothard said.

The festival is free and open to the public to attend. However, each of the artworks will be for sale. Gothard said the festival will feature a variety of art mediums with something for every price range.

“All of these are handmade. There is nothing that you can find in a store, and it’s not the same thing over and over,” Gothard said.

Paintings, glassworks, sculpture, pottery, folk art and reclaimed art are just a few of the types that will be featured.

“It’s folk art and fine art,” Gothard said.

Notable artists Tim Tingle, CeeCee Vaughn and Ben Smith will be among the artists.

“Each year, we meet people locally that we didn’t know were that talented,” Gothard said. “We have a lot of talented people in Chilton County … there’s a lot of great art.”

Gothard said planning the festival is a year-long process.

The Clanton Performing Arts Center is located at 1850 Lay Dam Road in Clanton.