What is known today as the "Murphy Marble Belt" began it's life millions of years ago. Four hundred miles deep, 32 1/2 miles long, this marble belt produced the purest, whitest marble in the world. It is respected by sculptors world wide and is used to make some of the most  beautiful countertops available anywhere. There is Sylacauga marble in many buildings in Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, to name a few and is used in the manufacturing of so many common products, I couldn't begin to list them all here. 

Needless to say, Sylacauga is extremely proud of her marble. 

Fourteen years ago, Sylacauga started what has become an annual event where artists around the world gather in Central Park for a public display sculpting. Last year welcomed artists from Houston TX to Townsend TN and St Louis MO, From Rockford, Decatur, Titus, and Birmingham in Alabama to St Augustine, FL. Besides being inspired by the beauty of the Marble itself, the artists involved have been inspired by everything from Life to Death, Suffering to Joy. 

This year's fest begins on March 25 with a scavenger hunt that will continue until April 11. The artists will arrive April 5 and will sculpt until April 11. Marble sculptures will be on display and for sale at the BB Comer Memorial Library from April 6 to 16. On April 12 at 10 AM, Italian sculptor and Business Development Manager at AM3 Stone, Giuseppi Telara will host "A family view of sculpting". Seating is limited, but open to the public. The festival ends April 16 at noon. 

Come down, bring the family. Have a picnic in the park and follow it up with a scoop of Bluebell ice cream from the Bluebell  ice cream shop across the street from the park. You can watch them make ice cream! What a bonus! Also, its $1 a scoop. Who could ask for more?

​I hope to see you there.