“These mountains are oozing with talent, and the awesome turnout just shows you there are people who want to invest in seeing more of it.” –Hefner, Lovely-based artist
PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PIKEVILLE — The Mountain Grrl Experience music and arts festival was held this past weekend in downtown Pikeville. The festival featured streets lined with vendors, multiple stages for live music, discussion panels, keynotes and workshops.
Martin County was well-represented at the festival by two visual artists, Hefner and Kayla Freeman, who were featured alongside top female visual artists from the region at the festival’s temporary art gallery. Haus of Hef, Hefner’s upcoming solo exhibit at the Mountain Arts Center, will begin display with a reception at the MAC on Aug. 5.
“It was beautiful to see so many creative folks, as well as watching those who don’t usually consider themselves creative, letting loose,” said Hefner. “The Art Positive Project, in particular, provided such a unique opportunity for people to create their own sling painting and release any pent-up frustration or sadness in a safe and protected environment.”
The Mountain Grrl Experience is organized by members of the eastern Kentucky music community, including Kris Preston of Coaltown Dixie and Bek Smallwood of Bek and the Starlight Revue.
In an interview with the Mountain Citizen, Theresa Prince of Luna and the Mountain Jets, the festival’s headline act, praised the festival organizers for their effectiveness in organizing such an inspiring event.
“You’ve got to have leaders to get the ball rolling and keep the ball rolling,” said Prince.
The festival highlights female artists and community leaders from around the region while raising money for The Perry Cline WestCare Emergency Shelter and Turning Point Domestic Violence Services.
WestCare and Turning Point are national organizations focused on empowering women to leave abusive relationships and reclaim their lives.
Last year’s festival raised $1350 for the Perry Cline WestCare Emergency Shelter and this year is expected to raise even more.
Prince, a Fallsburg resident and Martha native, stressed the importance of this kind of event for girls and women in eastern Kentucky and beyond.
“It’s women helping women,” said Prince. “You can overcome things and succeed. Just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you can’t head a successful business or lead a successful band. You’re just as valuable as your male counterpart.”
“The Mountain Grrl Experience provided the well-deserved opportunity to celebrate Appalachian Female artists, musicians, speakers and vendors from all over,” said Hefner. “I feel like festivals like this are so important to our community, and they really help draw in new folks who may not know how rich and diverse Eastern Kentucky actually is. These mountains are oozing with talent, and the awesome turnout just shows you there are people who want to invest in seeing more of it.”