By: Adelayda Vail
Downtown Carrollton hosts an annual Art Takeover that showcases the work of local artists and highlights emerging new talents each year. Artists with different talents of crafts, painting, and more present their work to the community. As visitors walk through the event, they can engage briefly with vendors discussing the artwork and inspiration behind each piece. The artists set up booths all around Adamson Square, transforming every corner into a display of vibrant colors and diverse art. This event is held during the springtime, usually starting in the evening around five o’clock and continuing until about eight. The Art Takeover brings together residents and visitors from nearby counties so they can interact with one another, spend time with family and friends, and support local artists. During this time, visitors are also able to shop around at each booth and purchase paintings, crafts, flowers or any other piece of art that catches their interest.
Unlike traditional indoor art shows, the Art Takeover makes use of open public space, allowing artists to display their work throughout the town itself. This outdoor setting offers a more inviting atmosphere compared to galleries or museums. Each piece of artwork reflects the individuality and perspective of its artist. Some of these artists have dedicated years to their work, while others are only beginning their journeys. One particularly captivating artist at this event was Yvette Williams, a creator of jeweled eggs. For Yvette, this form of art began as a hobby but has become a passion for her overtime. While stationed with the Marine Corps in Japan, Yvette met a woman who introduced her to this art. She fell in love with the art of egg making and has been doing it ever since. These jeweled eggs are in fact handmade, her materials are from bird farmers and other organizations such as The Salvation Army according to Yevette. The making of this art can take anywhere from a week to a month just depending on the design of the egg. Yvette specializes in dioramas and jewelry boxes and despite the amount of time it takes her to create these pieces, she finds the work relaxing and fulfilling.
Additionally, another artist whose artwork was filled with colors, and was an attention drawer was that of Victoria Wheeler’s. Victoria is a paper flower artist, who has dedicated four years to doing this form of art. She focuses on her art when she is not occupied with attending to her four children, Victoria claims. Her materials consist of mostly paper, however she has in the past created metal flowers as yard art from upcycled bakeware. Victoria explains that many flowers and roses are easy to do, and she can do them in sets of twelve. However, there are intricate pieces that take hours to create. Her products consist of giant wall decor, stems, and canvases. Victoria describers her work as “happy art,” and emphasized her love for sharing pieces that bring joy and make people smile.