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Local writer, John Brewer, has lived in Oglethorpe County for 47 years and has written over 13 books. (Photo/Michael Johnson) -
Locals gather at the Friends of the Oglethorpe Library book sale and art show at No. 3 Railroad. (Photo/Michael Johnson) -
Locals gather at the Friends of the Oglethorpe Library book sale and art show at No. 3 Railroad on May 4, 2024. (Photo/Michael Johnson)
Peggy Hroma, a longtime Oglethorpe County resident and member of the Friends of the Oglethorpe Library, came up with the idea to add an art show to the library’s book sale twice a year.
“I think it brings awareness that we have a lot of local artists that wouldn’t be recognized otherwise, and it gives them a chance to sell their wares and get to know the local people,” Hroma said.
Locals gathered at No. 3 Railroad Street in Arnoldsville on May 4 for the bi-annual art show and book sale, where each artist paid $20 for a table, but kept any profits they made. Attendees also filled up bags with books for $5.
The Friends of the Oglethorpe Library’s goal is to bring awareness to the library and showcase the county’s artists and small businesses on the first Saturdays in May and November.
“People wait for it now,” Hroma said. “I don’t think people would wait for it if it happened more often than that.”
Artists sell their work, ranging from jewelry to soaps.
Emily Rose Thomas has been making soap for a little over a year, and this is her second time attending the art show.
“I got roped into it for the last sale, and I did really well last year,” she said.
Lisa Summers, a local crochet artist who moved back to the county two years ago, said this is also her second time appearing at the art show.
“I just moved back to Beaverdam, but I did grow up in Oglethorpe County and went to the schools here,” she said.
In addition to the show, Summers sells her crocheted work through her Facebook page called Yarns with Lisa.
The event showcases all types of creativity, such as long-time writer John Brewer.
Brewer has lived in the county for 47 years and mainly writes about historical fiction. His first book was published in 2010.
“It started as a hobby,” he said. “I’ve always had stories running through my head. I’m a born storyteller.”
Brewer has written over 13 books.
“They’re all my children,” he said.
Hroma encourages artists to take part in the event and residents from the county to support local artists and businesses.
“I’ve been in the county a long time, and we have very good local artists,” she said. “And I wanted to keep them here.”