By Andi Bedsworth

As the days get shorter, many people start thinking of autumn and all the festivities that go with it. In celebration of that, two local groups are hoping you will be in the mood for some shopping for handmade items to kick-start the season. Both the Oxford Artists’ Guild and the Lafayette County Homemakers Volunteers will both be holding sales this weekend.

On the Courthouse Lawn, Saturday, Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the guild’s Fall into Art Show/sale will present work by the following members: Pam Locke, Susan Rose, Tiffeny and Laila Owens, June Pryor, Charles Chapin, Cecil Bowers, Catherine Smith, Ed Tropp and Debbie Myers. There will be work in oils, acrylic, watercolor, leather and turned wood. Live music will be played by the McLeod Guyer Trio from 12 to 2 p.m. to kick things up a notch and add a festive atmosphere. This sale is an annual tradition with the guild and gives their members the opportunity to really show off their talents and wares. The guild is a group of local artists who support each other in making and selling art.  The rain date for the show is the following day, Sunday, Oct. 1 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

As well as the fall show, the guild shows in the Powerhouse Gallery Series in the Biggest Baddest Art Show every November, in February at the Library and also holds another outdoor show on the Courthouse Lawn in the spring. They also have a gallery upstairs in Sugar Magnolia which is open year-round.

The Lafayette County Homemakers Volunteers and Guests will be having their Craft Fair also on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. just down the street from the courthouse at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center so it is possible to go to both, and I recommend that you support all of our local artists, makers, crafters, and artisans as we have so many in our area. There will be cookbooks, knitted and hand-sewn items and many other original creations for sale.

According to their website, “The mission of Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers, Inc. (MHV) is to strengthen families through education and community involvement. Anyone interested in improving family and community life may form a Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers club. MHV clubs usually have 10 to 20 members who participate in leader training classes, take part in public policy education, and serve as community volunteer leaders. Members may participate in county, area, and state programs. MHV clubs may be traditional young family (under 35) couples, special interest, lunch and learn, senior citizens, newly retired and career. Mailbox membership is offered for those who want to receive training and educational materials but don’t have time to join a traditional club. If you are interested in joining a Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers club, contact your local county Extension office.”

Both groups add quality to our community so make your way out to support them both this Saturday. Admission for both events is free and open to the public.