Elisabeth Hays
2024 Featured Artwork (photo provided by Savage Photography)
Growing up in Fairhope, Alabama, Hays was constantly inspired by the creative energy found in her southern coastal town. In 2018, after almost ten years of owning and operating a successful interior design studio downtown Fairhope and the birth of her second child, Elisabeth decided to channel her creative energy into her love of creating original art.
Her connection to the Gulf Coast's ever-evolving elements is vividly
expressed in her popular collections like Bay Maps, Mullet Parades,
Fruit and Nut series, and signature Butterflies. Drawing from her
interior design roots, Hays experiments with mixed media, merging her
love of textiles with abstract art.
The Fairhope native brings
local inspiration to her vibrant creation for this year’s featured
artwork. The festival's theme centered around her masterpiece, "Fairhope
in Bloom,” is inspired by one of the city’s favorite spring flowers,
tulips.
Website: https://www.elisabethhays.com
Fairhope has always been a major inspiration in my art. The tulip beds created by the city each spring are a staple in my memories, welcoming spring with their full blooms of pinks, yellows, and reds, The blooms chase the sun each day as the temperatures warm and the winter skies clear. They are Fairhope’s signature sign of spring, just like the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. I’m honored to be this year's featured artist.
Elisabeth Hays
Festival Chairman Marissa Fleming Thetford is excited about collaborating with Hays:
“When I was asked to chair this year’s festival, I instantly knew I wanted to work with Elisabeth to create the featured artwork. I've known her since I was ten years old and have always admired her endless
creativity. There is something special about working with someone who shares the same roots and love for our hometown. She brought my vision to life, and her work perfectly represents our wonderful floral heritage in Fairhope and is a beautiful symbol of the growth of our organization and community.”
The original work will be displayed during the Festival at the official merchandise tent, where limited edition prints of "Fairhope in Bloom" will be available exclusively. It will also be featured on all festival promotional materials, posters, and commemorative tee shirts.
Learn more about Elisabeth Hays
in this article from Scenic 98 Coastal: Elisabeth Hays, Artist, Interior Designer, Fairhope
Elisabeth Hays Collections
Butterfly Taxidermy
Mullet Parades
