On August 25, local artists will gather in Overton Park to share their visions for a sustainable Mid-South art community. The event, which some are calling, “The Renaissance,” will be the first of what organizers hope will become a tradition of rising artists sharing their visions. This event will welcome musicians, thespians, and artists of any trade who want to showcase their works.

There is little question that Memphis is a hotbed of creativity and artistic expression, yet young artists struggle to find opportunities to showcase their talents. Shaun Barber, the creative spirit behind this “artists’ market,” has a vision for our area’s artists, musicians, filmmakers, actors, and others, to sustain themselves through their unique art forms. Say’s Barber, “This is possible because a culture exists in this city that is desperately seeking new venues and an economy that will support them in their contribution to Memphis’s art scene. I have much faith in this city, and am most excited to see Families benefit by exposing their children to Memphis’s unique arts culture in a casual, relaxed outdoor environment.”

The success of the Overton Park artists showcase depends on participation from the local artisan community, as well as interest from business owners, community organizations, and individuals supporting visual arts, music, film, theater, photography and an artist uprising in Memphis.

Artists interested in participating can find more information at shaunbarberart.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/shaun.barber.

Shaun Barber is a native Memphian committed to building a sustainable community for all types of artists. He is currently the Creative Director for Accendo Media, which is a new arts non-profit committed to promoting the music and arts in Memphis. He is involved with a variety of projects geared toward achieving this vision, and hopes to change the dynamics of the creative community in our city through regular, publicly accessible events.