BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Appalachian Artist Festival will bring music, culture, and community spirit to downtown Inez on Saturday, Aug. 2, with a full day of events along Court Street.
The day kicks off at 10 a.m. as vendors begin setting up booths. The official opening ceremony follows at 11 a.m., with Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty delivering the welcome. Food trucks and vendor booths will also open at that time.
Live entertainment begins at 11:30 a.m. with songwriter rounds featuring local and regional talent, scheduled to run until 1 p.m.
Art meets water justice
At 1 p.m., a special ribbon-cutting ceremony will unveil a new mural on the historic Cain Hotel Building, located at 20 West Main Street. Painted by Kentucky artist Josh Mitcham, the mural was commissioned by Austin Shuck and the Appalachian Pioneer Program to spotlight the region’s deteriorating water infrastructure.
The water crisis has plagued communities like Martin County for years, catching Shuck’s attention.
In 2021, the Morgan County native walked 86 miles from Slade to Inez “just to get people to listen.” That act of protest sparked a broader movement, culminating in the mural as a public symbol of resilience and action.
“This mural represents a promise — not just to one community, but to every rural town that’s been overlooked, underfunded and left behind,” said Shuck. “Across Kentucky and Appalachia, our water systems are aging, failing or altogether forgotten.”
He believes that water infrastructure is about more than just pipes and pumps — it is about people.
“These are lifelines,” he said. “And when they break, our people suffer. But out of hardship comes hope. What’s carried us through has been community and culture — the very things that make this region special. Our grit, our stories, our music, our hands in the soil — have fueled every step of this project.”
For Shuck, the Appalachian Artist Festival is the perfect backdrop for this milestone.
“Art has the power to speak when systems fail,” he said. “Through this mural and everything it represents, we’re showing what happens when communities come together to demand something better.”
He added, “We believe in Appalachia’s future. We believe in our people. And we’ll keep using art, storytelling and the unmatched spirit of this region to build something stronger — together.”
Open mic
Following the ribbon-cutting, an open mic session will take place from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. on the stage behind the courthouse.
Meet the Cardinals
At 3:30, the community will have the chance to “Meet the Martin County High School Cardinals” football team before a short intermission at 3:45.
Evening music lineup
The evening concert lineup features a strong slate of Appalachian artists:
- Cody McCoy at 4 p.m.
- Adalyn Ramey at 5 p.m.
- Phill and the Rockhouse Renegades at 6 p.m.
- Wesley Saylor at 7 p.m.
- Annalyse & Ryan at 8 p.m.
- Nathan Coots at 9 p.m.
- John Thomas Moore at 10 p.m.
Court Street and the section of Holy Street from Main to Court will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 10:55 a.m.
Vendor market
Beyond music and murals, the Appalachian Artist Festival promises a one-of-a-kind vendor market filled with sensory delights and authentic Appalachian flavor. From handcrafted art and books to earthy scents, nostalgic pixel creations, and savory eats, this year’s lineup highlights the region’s rich creativity and culture.
Festivalgoers can explore:
That Old Time Religion: Works by Jeffery Hale. The native son returns to his hometown, bringing his beautiful artwork to this year’s AAF. Find him in the bridal suite inside the historic Martin County Courthouse.
Earth Arrow Pigments, offering small-batch natural paints made from hand-foraged materials.
Lyndsey Horn, author of When the Mountains Speak, presenting her lyrical, self-illustrated children’s book.
Merlyn Made Macrame, with handcrafted macrame jewelry, décor, and customizable gifts.
Katherine Hale Stringfield, Appalachian horror author and artisan, with signed novels and Gothic merchandise.
Silver Run Ranch Alpacas, showcasing hand-woven scarves, shawls, and saddle blankets from 100% alpaca fiber.
Kentucky Tribe Candle Company, with concrete candles, wax melts and sprays inspired by Kentucky’s natural landscapes.
Allie Fissler, tattooing flash art live inside the historic Martin County Courthouse.
CLT Farms Equestrian Healing Center, blending handcrafted goods with outreach about equine-assisted healing.
The Pix-Ture Shop, offering playful pixel art creations and retro gaming favorites.
Joseph Little, author of “Me and Poverty,” sharing his memoir and message of resilience.
Miss 10 Below, with freeze-dried snacks and treats for both people and pets.
Maw & Paw’s Knick-Knacks, a nostalgic exhibit inside the courthouse filled with Appalachian heirlooms.
Handmade quilt display, continuing a beloved festival tradition inside the courthouse.
Food and drinks
When it comes to food and drink, the options are just as abundant. Festivalgoers can enjoy:
Kiwanis Club’s hand-squeezed lemonade.
Blue Stallion Brewing Company of Lexington’s locally crafted beer.
Kentucky Mist Distillery of Letcher County’s shots, mixed drinks, bottles and loaded teas and beer.
Angie’s Blooming Onions & More with blooming onions, Philly steaks, hot dogs, fried pickles, funnel cakes and more.
Wee Doggies of Debord with a full menu including hot dogs, soup, pulled pork, nachos, milkshakes and more.
Last Stop Café of Louisa’s BBQ pork, hamburgers, snow cones, nachos and cheesy treats.
Vendor deadline
The deadline to apply for a vendor spot is July 25. Fees are $40 for artisan vendors, $50 with electrical hookup, $25 for information booths, $100 for food vendors and $250 for alcohol vendors.
For more information or to apply, visit the Appalachian Artist Festival on Facebook.