Ann Robinson

Contributing Writer

The annual Village Center Festival of the Arts and Authors Book Signing is set for July 14 at the Village Center Mall, with numerous local artists and authors to be on hand with their works.

The event, which is sponsored each year by Jewelcraft and directed by Ola Bailey and Penny Farley, was established four years ago to help showcase the area’s local talent.

“We have other festivals that show off our area’s crafting talents, so we thought it would be nice to have a festival that will display our writers’ and artists’ work,” said Bailey. “We have always had such a good turn out at the event and it only seems to be growing.”

This year’s showcase artist will be self-taught 12-year-old Cheyenne Bailey, who draws photos of animals, including ponies and mystical creatures such as dragons.

Bailey said that Cheyenne is her granddaughter and has been drawing since she was a small child, having taught herself the techniques of the art.

“Some of her drawings will amaze you,” said Bailey. “She draws pictures for people all the time.”

(Cheyenne) Bailey will have her work on display. However, nothing will be available for sale.

Bailey said that she has no interest in selling her drawings because they each are very special to her and no two drawings are alike.

Among this year’s artists and authors will be Darla Saylor Jackson, Clark Bailey, Connie Helton, Terry Muncy, Barbara Wills, Pauline Harbor, Jennifer McDaniels and Teresa Pruitt, as well as several members of the Harlan County Writers’ Guild including Rosezelle Boggs-Qualls.

“There will be others who will be in attendance as well, but many of them have not registered yet,” said Bailey. “I have had calls, but some of them like to wait until the day of the event to actually register.”

Bailey said there will be refreshments for all who attend made available by Mike Forester of Jewelcraft.

There are also numerous performers scheduled to perform during the day including Connie Helton, Terry Muncy, Holden Jackson, and his band Midnight Sun, Emerson Noah and Ka’ssee Rhe’anne Robinson.

Bailey said that everyone is invited to attend the event and that all authors and artists should provide their own tables and chairs.

“It is not a requirement, but it looks very nice if the tables are decorated with a theme to describe the books and works,” said Bailey. “There will be a prize for the best decorated table.”

The event is scheduled to last three to four hours or until all artists and authors are gone. The event will begin at 11 a.m. in front of the Jewelcraft store.

For more information call Ola Bailey at 573-9177.