Page 80 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2026

BEST BOOTH
Stephanie
Robertson
2025 Peter Anderson Festival
FOR THE
CREATIVE
Award WinnersAWARD
ARTS
David
Self
story by Lynn Lofton
photos courtesy of Rachael Walker, David Self and Stephanie Robertson
working at it full time,” he says. “My things are
modern, very colorful, appeal to both sexes, and
I think it stands out. You won’t find any earth
tones.”
Rachael Walker has a studio in Covington,
Louisiana, where she does oil and water color
paintings that represent personal symbolism
as a woman and mother. An art teacher, she
decided to indulge her own creative spirit after
she was diagnosed with cancer.
“I realized ‘what am I waiting for?’” she said. “I
was doing commissions but I started painting
what I wanted to paint. It’s a gift to make art. If
other people want it, that’s good.”
Now six years cancer free, Walker feels blessed
with her family that includes three children and the
ability to express herself through art.
Also in this festival guide, don’t miss features on
Makenzie Miley, who won Best of Show, and Rachael
DePauw, who took home the Lgacacy Award and whose
work is featured on the cover.
Among the winning exhibitors at the 2025 Peter
Anderson Festival were Stephanie Robertson for Best
Booth; David Self for Award for the Creative Arts; and
Rachael Walker for Award of Excellence. All three are
back for this year’s festival.
Robertson is a jewelry designer of Byram where she
has had a store 22 years. Asked about her outstanding
festival booth, she said, “At the festival I tried to mimic
my showroom floor. I don’t skimp. I have nice wooden
display cases and give it a boutique feel. The aesthetics
are important to me.”
Last year was her ninth year at the festival and her
first win. This year she has plenty of jewelry, new logo
products and lots of “handmade Marie swag.” Jewelry
purchasers will receive a little something extra.
Potter David Self of Birmingham, Alabama, named
his enterprise Deep Fried Sugar Art. There’s nothing to
eat among the pots; he just wanted a catchy name and
something Southern. He’s been a full-time potter 20
years and the Peter Anderson is his favorite festival.
“I never learned to use a wheel so all my works are
hand built. I had to justify buying a kiln so I started
80 | October 2026 AWARD OF
EXCELLENCE
Rachael
Walker
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