The “Best of Show” award at TroyFest 2021 belongs to Troy potter Walter Black.

Black’s work was selected from more than 80 artists and crafsmen who participated in the 10th Annual TroyFest.

Rob Drinkard, TroyFest chair, said the artists’ selection committee was diligent in evaluating the applications and accepted only the artists and craftsmen whose works were thought to be of interest to the community and that people would want to buy.

“The committee turned down a large number of applicants this year,” Drinkard said. “That’s an indication that the show is growing and attracting artists who are dedicated to fine art and craft.”

Drinkard said TroyFest 2012 showcased a wide variety of highly skilled artisans, which made for an outstanding show and a difficult decision for the jurors.

“The jurors deliberated for hours Saturday afternoon and felt so many of our artists were deserving,” he said. “We truly believe that TroyFest is the premiere fine art and craft show for Southeast Alabama and the festival continues to grow and attract many talented artists and craftsmen from throughout the Southeast.

“We congratulate our award winners and look forward to having them return for TroyFest 2013, which will be April 27 and 28.”

Special and first place award recipients were Maurice Cook, Birmingham, Spirit of Jean Lake; Ricky Steele, Panama City, first place fine art; and Sharalee Sherman, Albertville, first place crafts.

Merit awards were presented to Keith Newby, Dothan, painting; Walter Hobbs, Valdosta, Ga., pottery; Pat Brown, Marietta, Ga., jewelry; George Elliott, Birmingham, photography; Don Stewart, Birmingham, graphics and drawing; Gary Cremeens, Ramer, sculpture; Dwight Ward, Troy, functional traditional crafts; and Teresa Wambles, Calera, decorative traditional crafts.

Other special awards were presented to Arthur Smith, Birmingham, demonstrating artist; Linda Holt, Birmingham, most creative use of materials; Jerry Mitchell, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., freshman exhibitor; and Bonnie Heinecke, Paris, Mo., longest traveler.

Drinkard said TroyFest 2012 attracted the largest number of artists and craftsmen in its 10-year history and the largest crowd.

“There’s no way to know exactly how many people attended but we huge crowd on Saturday and a good and steady flow of people on Sunday,” he said. “All of the entertainment was excellent. The Bailey Mountain Cloggers from North Carolina were the featured entertainment and the cloggers were very popular and had a big crowd at both performances.”

Drinkard said even the weather cooperated for this year’s TroyFest.

“The weather is always a concern but it was great. Everything about the festival was great,” he said.

“We are looking forward to TroyFest 2013 and expect it to be even better.”

Drinkard expressed appreciation to all of those who made TroyFest 2012 such a great success, through their hard work, their participation and their support.