Professional face painter Jann Delk applies a miniature work of art to the face of Alyssa Blair at last Saturday's Piggott Art Fest. (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge]

Downtown Piggott took on a deepened air of culture over the past weekend, as the Chamber of Commerce hosted the first-ever Piggott Art Festival.

"We had 18 different artist booths set up in the Piggott Diner building," chamber secretary Sharon Bellers noted. "We had a total of 25 different artists there and some shared a booth." The offerings included paintings, pottery and photography, among other media. And although the crowd wasn't as big as organizers had hoped, those in attendance enjoyed shopping and mingling with the artists.

The day's activities also included live entertainment by Gary Prince and the Sugar Creek Band, the 8 Mile Band and The Gurley Band. There was also a sidewalk chalk art competition that drew 16 entries.

First place in the elementary division went to the team of Taylor Davis, Trevor Grubb and Austin Engle. Second went to Jacob Wellman and third was Devyn Staples. All are students of PES.

First place in the high school division went to the team of Elizabeth DiPaola and Jessica Davis from PHS, second went to the team of Sierra Faught, Neeley Sims, Emily Sanders, Katie Taylor and Eric Emery from Rector and third place went to Shane Roper from Rector High School.

Saturday afternoon the chamber drew for two $50 gift certificates to be spent at the art festival and the winners were Doug Moore and Maggie Chavez. The chamber also awarded $50 cash prizes to two of the artists --- Evalyn Carter with Reyno China Painters and the Piggott High School Art Club. The Art Club indicated it will apply the money toward the annual scholarship fund.

The Art Fest also included a professional face painter and a display of art work submitted by the students from Piggott Elementary, which adorned the windows of many of the downtown businesses.

Chamber organizers extended their thanks to the participants, entertainers and those who attended as they begin to look ahead to next year's event.