2006 Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival

The 28TH Annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival held on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5, was a huge success.  With over 300 vendors and more than 90, 000 visitors, it made for a perfect weekend.  Vendors displayed everything from pottery to paintings, jewelry, metals, and more. 

Every year, awards are given out to four of the top exhibitors within the festival. Throughout the two day event judges travel the show and evaluate the exhibits to honor four individual artists’ work with one of the four annual awards, “Best of Show,” “Award of Excellence,” Sun Herald’s “Peter Anderson Legacy Award,” and “Award for the Creative Arts.” 28th Annual Festival’s “Best in Show” went to Pass Christian resident, Brian Nettles for his unique pottery. The “Award of Excellence” was awarded to first time exhibitor to the show, Keith Rueckert for his turnec wood art vessels. The “Peter Anderson Legacy Award” was presented to Louisiana native, Bruce Odell for his unique wheel thrown textured and expanded pottery. The “Award for Creative Arts” was awarded to Artistic Metal Creations artist, Frank Ledbetter for his handcrafted metal sculptures and multimedia pieces.

 “We are quiet pleased to have these significant individuals honored this year. I am certain that it was very difficult for the festival judges to determine four award winners out of the many successful artists and craftsman at the festival,” says Margaret Miller. “We had so many wonderful participants and hope they will come back next year.”

The awards were presented to the individuals early Sunday morning. Each winner received a unique Shearwater tile with the Shearwater bird design and a “Four Shearwaters” print by Mac Anderson. The items were displayed at the winners’ booths for the remaining afternoon.

For more information, contact the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce, Main Street – Visitor Center at 228-875-4424.