Arts & Entertainment
4 Booths You Can't Afford To Miss At Double Decker
Oxford’s Double Decker Arts Festival always proves itself to be one for the books. From refreshing snow cones, a booming stage to the art-lined Square, there’s something for everyone of all ages.
Although there’s an abundance of music, food, and art to view, we’ve highlighted a few vendors showcasing their unique and breathtaking art that you won’t want to miss while you’re on the Square.
Vista Herring
Although this is Vista Herring’s first year to have a booth at the Double Decker Arts Festival, she is no stranger to Ole Miss and Oxford. Vista graduated from Ole Miss in 2009 with a master’s degree in communicative disorders and paints as a side hobby.
“Most of my paintings are very texturized with a resin glaze. I am particularly fond of large canvases that can be statement pieces in a room,” Herring said.
Herring’s works are especially impressive being that she is a self-taught artist who creates masterful pieces that can add a little flare to any space at home. At Double Decker, visitors can expect to find a range of paintings including Ole Miss Football scenes, neutral pieces that accentuate any wall and even coastal paintings that incorporate seashells straight from the big blue.
In addition to larger statement pieces, Herring said, “We will also have small canvases on a budget that would make the perfect end of the year teacher’s gift or Mother’s Day happy.”
Herring’s booth can be found outside of Ajax Diner. To browse her previous works of art check out her Facebook page or find her on Instagram @vistaherringart.
Paintings By Peyton
Peyton Hutchinson, the creator of Paintings by Peyton, knows all about the Double Decker Arts Festival. Hutchinson graduated from Ole Miss in 2000 and has shown her work at the festival for a decade. Her life-like oil paintings of various landscapes including those of Oxford and Ole Miss will be available. In addition to her creations unveiled on canvas, Hutchinson will also be offering prints of her work that will include all price points.
The desire to return to Double Decker this year was driven by “how fun the festival is overall, but especially because of the amazing caliber of artists showing their work here,” she said. “I am so grateful to be able to show my work to so many people. It’s a fantastic festival.”
Paintings by Peyton will be located in front of Hinton and Hinton.
To view more Paintings by Peyton, visit her website or check out her Instagram @peytonpaintings.
Four Rivers Designs
Every woman needs a go-to bag, and at Four Rivers Designs’ booth, you can find just that! This New Orleans based business will be attending Double Decker for the first time and is sure to hit the ground running.
Cassie and Beth’s creations are inspired by their desire to have that bag that they always wished to carry, but were unable to find in stores. Their designs encompass aspects of utility as well as stylish, chic simplicity that meet the needs of women everywhere.
“Our bags are made of the highest quality – Italian leather, genuine cotton fabrics – with no unnecessary hardware or flashy logos,” Cassie Condrey said. “Our designs are inspired by the simplicity of our small-town childhoods, the adventure of our world travels and the timelessness of the well-made.”
They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but I happen to believe that this title should be allotted for handbags! Visitors can find Four Rivers Designs outside of Southside Gallery.
To see more of their work visit https://www.fourriversdesigns.com.
J Britt Lighting and Interiors
J Britt Lighting is taking restoration to a whole new level. The innovative, crafty light fixtures that J Britt restores are all one-of-a-kind and created with unparalleled design and heart. This is J Britt Lighting’s second year to attend Double Decker, and they are thrilled to be back to display their designs.
“We’ve had people bring water skis, driftwood, antique fans, Campbell’s soup cans, propellers, musical instruments, vintage lunch boxes and many other items to be turned into lamps, pendants, and sconces for their home or cabin,” Connie Wood said.
Not only do their designers and artisans handle a multitude of different materials, but they have also worked with delicate, meaningful family heirlooms that were transformed into illuminated creations. Each product is individually crafted by hand, making all of their light fixtures different from one another.
Stop by J Britt Lighting and Interiors outside of The Brooks Collection Jewelry to light up your Double Decker experience!
By Kaylen Miller, an intern for HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at kmmille4@go.olemiss.edu.
For questions or comments, email hottytoddynews@gmail.com.