After months of planning and coordination, the first ever ARTmore event in downtown Atmore is now only weeks away and coordinator James Amerson and his team of event planners are one step closer to realizing their vision as, this week, they have selected six of the many artists involved in the festival to have their work featured on a large scale when the gates open next month.

“It is our honor to announce the Wind Creek Casino 6,” Amerson said. “Their artwork will be printed on a 6’x8’ banner and proudly displayed at our gallery event. Afterwards, it will be moved to Wind Creek Casino where they will continue to shine a spotlight on their incredible talent as part of their permanent collection.”

The works of the six artists tapped for the honor include: A painting by Marzia Ransom; photography by Jerod Morris; a bronze bust by Randy New; photography by Greg Riegler; pottery by Matthew Harley; jewelry by Stephanie Barnes.

Amerson said his hope for featuring local artwork on a larger scale, is that it will help artists feel more comfortable sharing their work.

“That’s what I want to encourage,” he said. “For people to have confidence in their talents and share their talents.”

Amerson said two of the artists chosen for the festivals first featured pieces are from Escambia County and one is fairly new to his trade.

“Stehpanie Barnes is from Atmore,” Amerson said. “Jerod Morris is from Brewton and he has only been doing photography for five years.”

Amerson said experience and professional training do not matter, but what does is the courage of an artist to simply present his or her work to be seen.

“I just want to encourage people to share their talents,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing.”

And for the six men and women chosen for this year’s event, having their work seen will not be an issue.

“We’re going to hopefully display the pieces along the balconies of buildings in the downtown district a week prior to the event,” Amerson said. “During the event, the pieces will be relocated into two arenas – one on Trammell Street and one on Ridgeley Street –  so people can see them up close and personal.”

Included in the chosen pieces will be a bronze bust by New, who was commissioned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to create eight busts and one statue of tribal leaders for Wind Creek Casino and Hotel.

“He was commissioned by them before ARTmore was ever conceived,” Amerson said. “We are hoping to unveil his first bust of Chief Calvin McGhee during the event at 6:45 p.m. with (Wind Creek Property Manager) Arthur Mothershead.”

With yet another step taken en route to ARTmore’s premier in downtown Atmore, Amerson said he is more excited than ever.

“I’m incredibly proud of everyone,” he said. “As we’ve stated before in our theme, we’re going to paint the town.”