Visit The Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham to ‘Know Thy Farmer’
Photographer Paul Jones III’s new book captured images of Alabama’s farmers
Each week from April through December, farmers, artisans, chefs and urbanites descend on The Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham to enrich and sustain each other’s way of life.
From the beginning, the market was really never just about the food, but rather about community and connection – a community of diverse Alabamians who meet, mingle and enjoy one another’s company while connecting them to the scrumptious and healthy flavors that comes from our state’s soils.
The Market at Pepper Place kicked off its 15th season in April with one of the most eye-catching additions in recent history – the image of a giant farmer on the side of the Dr. Pepper building. Many connected this new element to this year’s theme – “Know Thy Farmer” – but what most people didn’t know until last week was that that farmer and many others are the subject of photographer Paul Jones III’s new book.
Jones’ journey into rural Alabama began as a job to shoot portraits of farmers for a market exhibit, but like the market itself, he found a community. That community was filled with the most gracious, genuine, hard-working people he had ever met. These farming families welcomed Jones into their homes and shared their stories. He experienced their lives behind the camera and at their tables.
What started as a way to celebrate the market’s first 15 years quickly became stunning portraits of the Alabama farmers and artisans who are dedicated to producing quality food and goods – and the chefs who share their philosophy by passionately incorporating the local and seasonal ingredients into their restaurants’ offerings.
Essays by native Alabamian and celebrated storyteller Tanner Latham accompany the spectacular images and tell the stories. Award-winning chef Frank Stitt, a farmer himself, penned the introduction.
Fifteen years after what began as a loose gathering of tents and people in a parking lot, the Market at Pepper Place transforms the heart of Birmingham’s design district every Saturday morning into a gathering place that has become a true community – none of which would be possible without these farmers, artisans and chefs.
To celebrate and honor these hardworking Alabamians this holiday season, pick up a copy of Jones’ book – available at select shops in Pepper Place and online.
