FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The planning committee for the 57th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival in Fairhope (March 20-21) has selected the official artwork for the three-day celebration of creativity. The festival is an Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce event.

The brightly colored acrylic painting by Alletta Turner Brown was selected for its depiction of happy summer days residents experienced in days gone by along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay.

According to organizers, the artwork is sure to warm the hearts of those who recall enjoying the freedom of youth and good times while living on the Eastern Shore during the summer months.

Brown’s family, like so many, has owned a home on the Eastern Shore for generations, and “summered” there each year during school breaks.

For many decades, residents would frolic in the bay, stroll along the boardwalk in Point Clear; enjoy the numerous phenomenal jubilees and good home cooking.

She said one visual that brings her back in time with a flood of warm memories is that of the Stauter boats, tied up at a family’s pier.

“Before all the hurricanes, I would walk along the boardwalk and see the Stauter boats tied up,” she said. “Everyone had one. It was their way of navigating along the Eastern Shore’s bay waters. It is my most favorite item to feature in my paintings. It reminds me of gentler times.”

Brown, 47, recalls that there was no air conditioning in the homes during her youth — the homes were wide open. Everyone had a bell for something, whether it was to alert folks of a jubilee or time for lunch.

“I think we were the last generation that summered on the Eastern Shore,” she said. “Now, most people actually live in the homes all year long.”

A native of Mobile, Brown attended Julius T. Wright School and later graduated from Mountain Brook High School in Birmingham. She is also a graduate of the University of Alabama, as a business major.

Having just moved from Arkansas with her husband of seven years, Stephen, the couple now resides in Point Clear at the family home.

She said she took art lessons in her early years, but got more serious about 20 years ago and took lessons from Faulkner State Community College instructors who taught at the Eastern Shore Art Center.

She also received instruction at the New Orleans Academy of Art. However, she explained that she is mostly self-taught.

Brown experimented with various mediums before deciding acrylic was her favorite method because it is more “forgiving.”

“It’s truly an honor to be chosen to submit my artwork,” she said. “I feel that the painting is appropriate for today — it’s nice to be lighthearted now.”

The 57th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival drew an estimated 250,000 people last year. There is no admission, and a shuttle service will be provided by BRATS from the shopping centers located at the intersection of Greeno Road and Fairhope Avenue.

For more information, call (251) 621-8222.