By Andi Bedsworth

Spring has finally sprung, and the weather is more comfortable for going out and exploring. Perhaps adding some art hunting to your weekends might be a fun way to spice things up this season. There are some outdoor markets and other opportunities to enjoy art outdoors and in, so get out and enjoy the culture Oxford has to offer.

If you are looking to buy art, a visit to the Maker’s Market on Saturday, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. might be just the place. Maker’s Market holds a monthly sale/show on the first Saturday of each month, and this month will be extra special as they host the Oxford Artists’ Guild for their annual spring show/sale. So, you basically get twice as much art if you visit this weekend.

They will be camped out on the Courthouse Lawn on the Oxford Square with over 40 vendors showcasing everything from crochet, jewelry, woodworking, paintings and more. It is always worth browsing as the variety from both groups is good and the talent is evident in their creations.

Live music by Davis Coen will begin at noon to bring tunes into the mix which always makes shopping more fun.

For lovers of sculpture, it is evident that the forces behind the Yokna Sculpture Trail have been hard at work as new sculptures are popping up at the Powerhouse, University Museum, and Pat Lamar Park. We love all the new installations as we strolled through the park including an impressive red structure, a fun baby carriage made from an old camper, and several new installations.

Some of the familiar pieces are still up as they rotate them in a staggered fashion giving variety and interest to the trail. Driving by on University Avenue gives you lots of eye candy as you pass by the Powerhouse and make your way on Campus. Three new works are installed at the Powerhouse including a large arch, and two smaller pieces that are very eye catching.

You will be delighted by the new creature in front of the museum, and might even find yourself singing “what does the fox say?” as you drive past.

Kudos to Earl Dismuke, Wayne Andrews, Durant Thompson, Stacey Rathert and all the other people who have been working so hard over the last few weeks to install the new art for all to enjoy.

Don’t forget the indoor venues as well including Southside Gallery, the University Museum, Gallery 130 in Meek Hall on campus, Oxford Treehouse Gallery, Northlight Gallery at the Orchard Church, Oxford Artists’ Guild Gallery in Sugar Magnolia, Frame Up Gallery on the Square and Highpointe Coffee in town.

In Water Valley, make sure you check out Bozarts Gallery and the Living Room Gallery both on Main Street. Most of these venues have new shows up and will be rotating out regularly as we make our way to the spring art extravaganza, the Double Decker Arts Festival which will be held the last week of April.

Andi Bedsworth is owner of Art To Go, which brings free art opportunities to children in the community.