G&G Party Pics

Southern Makers

August 12–13 G&G traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, for Southern Makers—a two-day festival celebrating the best creators and innovators of the South. Guests enjoyed a Friday night kickoff dinner, along with two full days of eating, drinking, and shopping in the artisan marketplace at Sloss Furnaces. The curated lineup of vendors and talent included the South’s best chefs, painters, woodworkers, fashion designers, farmers, jewelers, and more.

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Guests and artisans alike kick off the weekend at Southern Makers. From left: Southern Makers curators Garlan and Heather Gudger, Mike Wolfe of American Pickers and wife Jodi, Alabama-based fashion designer Natalie Chanin, and Drew Robinson of Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q.

Photo: Andi Rice

Chef David Carrier of Certified Burgers & Beverage in Sea Island, St. Simons Island, Georgia, treats guests to smoked whole chicken during Friday evening’s Five Star Dinner.

Photo: Andi Rice

Roasted oysters, a Southern staple, is a standout feature of the evening’s menu.

Photo: Andi Rice

Five Star Dinner chefs. From left: Sommelier Heath Porter of Uvaggio Wine Bar, James Lewis of Bettola, Adam Evans formerly of the Optimist, Scott Schoettle of Sea Island Forge, Southern Makers curator Garlan Gudger, Alex Harrell of Angeline, David Carrier of Certified Burgers & Beverage, and Josh Quick of Odette.

Photo: Andi Rice

Sloss Furnaces’ historic structure creates the perfect venue for guests to peruse the artisan marketplace and experience all the creators, innovators, artists, and vendors at Southern Makers.

Photo: Lisa Jones

Guests browse and enjoy the best of the South at the artisan marketplace.

Photo: Andi Rice

Chester Hagans, a native of Opelika, Alabama, visits Birmingham to take in the festivities of the weekend.

Photo: Andi Rice

An assortment of paintings, textiles, jewelry, woodworks, and farm-fresh goods are showcased at Southern Makers.

Photo: Lisa Jones

Broom maker George Jones, Jr., of George’s Broom Closet shows off his craft in the artisan bazaar.

Photo: Lisa Jones

The menu in the VIP tent, featuring Southern fare by chef Chris Hastings, includes ripe heirloom tomatoes and fried okra.

Photo: Lisa Jones

A young dancer shows off her moves and gets the whole crowd ready for an unforgettable weekend.

Photo: Lisa Jones