Athens, Georgia, USA

Athens, Georgia, known for its enormous college and crazed football fans, also has an engaging artist community. One market is not enough to contain them all. Athens Farmers Market, in Athens, and Oconee Farmers Market, in nearby Watkinsville, feature fresh produce, and handmade goods from March to November each year.

And though both markets have closed for the coldest months, artists can be found online at holiday fairs and festivals and at athens.locallycrafted.net and fresh food at the local cooperative.

I spoke with Melinda Mercer, of Light Distractions Glass, who is currently preparing for a busy holiday season, with stained glass and fused glass. Melinda has been creating glass art for six years, but is new to Oconee County. She has a number of items in stock, including the suncatchers shown above, University of Georgia inspired black and red dog bones, and a kitchen witch said to bring good luck to cooks. She also has more utilitarian items – beautiful picture frames and business card holders.

Melinda tells me that she is especially busy this time of year creating holiday decorations and custom orders. I was deeply enamored of a fused glass sheep Christmas tree ornament; even though I do not knit. And my husband told me immediately, that he could really use a new business card holder.

Also to be found in Athens during the colder months are knitted goods, natural soaps, paper goods and more. Think of non-perishable items made with wood, beeswax, and wool.

Amidst academics, football, and farms, Athens has a growing artistic community. Check them out.