CHARLESTON, W.Va (WCHS) — The FestivFALL Harvest Art Fair is celebrating 20 years of highlighting and uplifting Appalachian artists at the Capitol Market

Executive director of Festivall, Kelsey Stover, said the celebrations grow each year and because of that, there is always something new to see and do.

“The arts are just so hard to encase into like one thing, so that’s why it’s Festivall,” Stover said. “We cover everything, we work with everybody and that’s one of the reasons I love it. It’s been around for 20 years for a reason.”

Stover said she’s watched as Festivall has changed throughout the years and it’s all thanks to the local artists who collaborate with them to share their work.

“Pushing the arts forward in a state with little art and cultural experiences, we bring those into the city so they can enjoy them. The arts are very alive and well in Appalachia,” Stover said.

Nearly 30 vendors set up at the Harvest Art Fair to showcase their unique pieces, from clothing to soaps, giving shoppers a lot to browse.

Fashion designer, Thomas Ruggiero was one of those vendors.

“I try to incorporate all sorts of stuff that’s like traditional Appalachian stuff,” Ruggiero said.

Ruggiero said it’s important to him to incorporate his roots into his pieces, while also staying eco friendly.

“That’s the future of our fashion, sustainability and buying local too,” Ruggiero said. “I try not to buy any new fabrics because there’s so much great stuff that was already made 20, 30 plus years ago.”

Ruggiero said this is his fourth year sharing his work at the art fair.

“Both markets each year have just gotten more and more with all the patrons that come and the sales that are made. It feels like it grows more every year,” Ruggiero said.

Event organizers said planning for Festivall is a year round task.

“We’re looking to a bigger and brighter future, we’re gonna do all kinds of new things next year with some big changes and we’re really excited about it,” Stover said.