Story By Katie Hightower

On August 16, the Art Society of Jackson County held its last Night Market on the Square for the year. The Square in downtown Scottsboro was full of people who came to enjoy live music, artwork, food and local vendors during the sunset.  

This year was the first year for the Night Markets. The Art Society held four monthly night markets beginning in May. They were created to give the community an opportunity to shop from local artists without being subjected to extreme summer heat. Each month, the Art Society saw increased numbers of people who participated in the events. 

“We are so proud of our first year of Night Markets. From May through August, we hosted them on the third Saturday of each month on the Square from 6-9 p.m. and the community’s support was incredible,” said Denise White, President of the Art Society of Jackson County. “Each market grew a little stronger, with August bringing in a great crowd, talented artists, several food trucks and live music.”

White said she looked forward to next year’s Night Markets. “We’re excited to share that the Night Markets will return in 2026 and we can’t wait to make them even bigger and better,” said White.

At the final Night Market of the year, the Art Society of Jackson County awarded a $250 grant to local artist, Melanie Matthews. Matthews was surprised about winning the grant. When she applied for the grant, she entered pieces dedicated to her father, Dale Garrett, who died earlier in the year. “it’s been a hard year,” said Matthews. “I lost my dad and one of the pieces I entered was a dedication to him. So it felt special—kind of like an angel looking down on me.”

Matthews proudly showed her painting she dedicated to her dad and said she planned to put the grant money towards a memorial for him. Matthews has sold artwork for about four years. She said she enjoyed collaborating with her daughters and making art with them. “It’s a really good family activity,” Matthews said.

White said, “We were thrilled to announce our 2025 grant recipient, Melanie Matthews of 2nd Sketch, and we hope this grand supports her on her artistic journey.”

Those who missed out on this summer’s Night Markets will have another opportunity to participate in an upcoming event that will feature local artists. The Art Society of Jackson County will host the third annual Full Moon Art Fest on Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on the Square in downtown Scottsboro. The event will feature art, live music, food trucks and a kid zone. 

The Art Society of Jackson County was created to foster the arts in the community through its promotion and support of local artists. For more information about the Art Society of Jackson County, please visit www.artsocietyofjc.com.