Outdoor Festival Inspiration

Last fall on a Saturday after a good night’s rest, I intended to spend most of my day writing. I planned to review edits on a project and tie up loose ends on a short story. I had a few ideas for future blog posts, but I didn’t feel inspired or energized to write.

After sipping coffee on my porch under a blue sky, enjoying a gentle breeze, I decided not to waste this beautiful autumn day indoors. My Mustang would be my partner for the day.

I looked online for events happening in the area. The first result was MELT Mural Festival, a first-time art festival featuring muralists who transform building walls with their artwork. I decided to check it out.

I pulled out my Mustang, dropped the top, and drove to the event listening to some southern soul music. After parking, I followed a group walking toward the sound of music. Immediately, I saw an artist in the second phase of painting a fisherman in a yellow raincoat; a portion of the face was filled in the outline on the brick wall.

I continued walking the blocks filled with booths of artists’ paintings, photography, mixed media work, and more. Food vendors and a slamming DJ gave the event an energetic vibe.

As I walked through the festival, I didn’t rush. I took time to enjoy the sounds, visit booths, and check out the food and beverages. Then a painting caught my eye. I went to the tent filled with art to see it, and a woman approached me. Her husband was the artist whose style I’d describe as a blend of abstract art and modern hip-hop.

The wife and I talked about art: writing, painting, inspiration, and photography. After sharing about my forthcoming cookbook memoir, she told me about her friend who wrote a book about men she dated and cocktails.

We were both transplants; she was from Miami, Florida, while her husband was a South Carolina native, like Curnell.

I moved on to a lemonade stand, Sip N’ Spoon, for a thirst-quenching peach lemonade, then to The Cocktail Bandits’ adult beverage booth for something special. I can’t remember what it was, but I could only handle one. The Cocktail Bandits are cocktail curators, authors, and Charleston Ambassadors. These ladies were a blast to talk with, friendly, and offered a unique an alluring cocktail menu.

I left Bandits to watch other muralists create and listen to the DJ blast Hip-Hop music. Watching art come alive was incredible and unlike anything I’ve seen before.

I decided to start making my way home, but I stopped at Rebel Tacos for dinner. It was kinda loud because it was football season, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this food and cold beverage.

On my way home, I saw the same mural that greeted me when I walked into the festival. Surprised by its detail, I paused in admiration. The design had bloomed into an image with a story: a hardworking fisherman sitting after a long day, with a crab on his shoulder. The detail of how the skin reflected weathered and worn skin on his face from the ocean salt and wind and the rays of the sun. It was beautiful.

Leaving Melt, I realized getting out of the house was the right decision. I felt light, energized, inspired, and encouraged. It gave me gifts I didn’t know I needed.

1. I needed to meet new people and see new faces.

2. I was hungry for conversation with creatives about their work, process, and why they create.

3. I needed to absorb something beautiful, vibrant, and energetic with no expectation.

If you are in the North Charleston Area this weekend, check out Melt Mural Festival; click here for more information.

Click here for Melt Mural Festival Instagram page to see murals.

MOM AND MUSIC