Memphis Celebrates Creativity and Community at Year Four of Artoberfest
This weekend, the vibrant city of Memphis came alive with the sounds of music, laughter, and creativity during the fourth annual Artoberfest. What began as a casual backyard gathering among friends has blossomed into a full-blown festival celebrating local talent and artistic expression, drawing in residents and visitors alike.
A Humble Beginning
The inception of Artoberfest dates back to 2020 when three University of Memphis alumni—Lavi Tsuna, Jalen Jones-LaSane, and Zev Lavine—decided to host a small music gathering at Tsuna’s home. Their motivation was simple: to showcase Jones-LaSane’s impressive audio equipment and create a good time with friends.
Little did they anticipate that this casual hangout would evolve into a platform for artists and musicians from across the Memphis area. The idea gained momentum when Tsuna unexpectedly reconnected with Lavine, who heard the music from his backyard. Sparked by interest and energy, Lavine expressed a desire to organize his own backyard event. Tsuna promptly introduced him to Jones-LaSane, and thus the seeds for Artoberfest were sown.
“How it started was basically opportunity knocking, and we were like it’s something productive we can do,” Tsuna explained. “It’s something we can include our friends in and also just include other people in our Memphis community.”
A Showcase of Local Talent
Fast forward to this year, and Artoberfest has transformed into a delightful showcase of local talent. Among the many artists featured this weekend was **Karen Wills**, the founder of “It’s Sew Kewl.” Wills, who began her sewing business during the pandemic, initially made face masks for nursing home residents. “Being a former nurse, I was just really concerned. I started out actually giving face masks to people in nursing homes who couldn’t get them,” she recalled. Her passion for sewing blossomed, leading her to offer handmade goods at events like Artoberfest.
Another beloved presence at the festival was the duo behind “Plants and Lamps.” They showcased a variety of items, including beautiful plants, unique lamps, and creative artwork. “We have been coming here every year since it started four years ago,” shared Cecily Vera. The duo’s journey reflects how Artoberfest has fostered connections among artisans and provided a space for them to shine.
A Celebration of Community
This year’s Artoberfest was not just about art and music; it was also about the shared experience. The festival featured a diverse range of performances and exhibitions that encouraged attendees to connect with one another and appreciate the diverse artistic culture that Memphis has to offer.
As the event unfolded, it was clear that Artoberfest had become a tapestry of creativity and camaraderie. Local musicians entertained attendees with their talent, while artisans displayed their crafts with pride. The festival demonstrated that art and music have the magical ability to unite people from various backgrounds.
Looking Forward
As the festival continues to flourish, the founders of Artoberfest are not only nurturing friendships but also inviting the wider community to come together through the magic of art and music. They’ve created a space where budding artists can showcase their work, and festival-goers can find a little piece of Memphis magic to take home.
In a world often filled with separation, Artoberfest reminds us all that shared experiences—whether through music, art, or simple connections—can create lasting joys in our lives.
