Local artist James Amerson lives in Pensacola, but he has spent most of his life visiting family in Atmore, and now he is looking to share his artistic creations, while also offering local artists a chance to shine, during an upcoming festival he has dubbed “ARTmore.”

Amerson said the idea for an art-show type event came from his love for Atmore and the town’s beauty, which  he has spent years capturing through paintings and photography.

“It was an evolution of an idea,” Amerson said. “I wanted to really refine my image as an artist and I kept going back to my roots. To the community that got me where I am today. I wanted to create a collection of work that celebrated what our forefathers and mothers went through. When I was looking for a venue, it was suggested that we spearhead this for a gallery event in Atmore.”

Still in the planning stages, Amerson said what he hopes to be the first of many ARTmore events is shaping up well.

“It seems serendipitous,” he said. “Everything is evolving on its own and falling into place. It’s like this thing is planning itself.”

So far, the first ARTmore event, which is being planned with the help of local business owner Foster Kizer and Atmore Chamber Director Sheryl Vickery, is scheduled to include music, art vendors and a juried art show comprised of pieces submitted by local artists.

“I’ve always looked at Atmore as having great bones about it.,” Amerson said. “There’s so much potential in this community.”
And Amerson is working to help local artists realize that potential.

Amerson said artists wishing to submit pieces may do so by sending emails to artmore2013@gmail.com.

While ARTmore is still being planned, the event is scheduled to take place Saturday, May 18 from 5 until 8 p.m. along North Main Street and West Ridgeley Street.

Amerson said, so far, Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward has made plans to attend and will be presented with a key to the city by Atmore Mayor Jim Staff.

With more details being finalized every day, Amerson said he is excited about ARTmore and appreciative to those who have helped make it a reality.

“I’m so very thankful for the reception we have gotten from Mayor Jim Staff,” he said. “I’m just so excited. We still have a lot to do, but we already have a theme. We are ‘Painting the Town.’”