Contributors

Amber Byrd
A thinker with a pen and pad of paper on the nightstand, Amber Byrd is an idea gal with a passion for writing and the arts. Her love of the Marietta Square runs deep, as she met and married her husband in historic downtown Marietta. Southern raised, her early teen years were filled writing poetry and going on “photo hunts” with her camera. Now she helps small businesses, authors, artists and designers with social media, marketing and PR efforts. She has contributed to a variety of lifestyle magazines and art publications across the country. photo credit: Vasil Vasilev

Melanie Crissey
Melanie Crissey fell in love with her hometown when she moved back to Marietta in 2010. A web developer by trade, Melanie writes for fun. She is intentional about supporting local businesses and thrilled to contribute to SOUTHERLY: Downtown Marietta.

Katie and Micah Pfister
This husband and wife team are the owners of The Butcher The Baker, a locally owned authentic Farm to Table restaurant in Downtown Marietta. Micah and Katie also own wr Social House, located next door to The Butcher The Baker.

Justin and Rickelle Hadley
HADLEY(s) Photography is the result of the combined effort of husband and wife, Justin and Rickelle Hadley, specializing in conceptual/narrative portraiture and theatrical production photography. They do as much as they can to help support the local art scene. They take pride in their collaborations with local musicians, visual artists, and theatres, and believe they have a responsibility to support and respect fellow creatives both as artists and as businesses.

Emily Ryals
Local freelance artist and community organizer, Emily is passionate about Aarts, community and culture in the Marietta Square. Emily is a “Jill of all trades,” dabbling in writing, photography, design and motherhood, among other things. Formerly the Director of Education at Marietta Cobb Museum of art, Emily attended Pratt Institute and holds a BFA in Painting from SCAD-Atlanta. Any given day you might find her working around the Square for Marietta Square Art Walk, Artists Market or at dk Gallery.

R. Scott Stewart
With a broad spectrum background encompassing everything from forensic analysis to heavy machinery, Scott offers a unique perspective on just about any topic. Born in Florida but growing up near Marietta, he has traveled to and spent time in almost every state. Scott has become a mainstay on the Square these last few years. If you see him out and about, pull up a stool and let it all out. You are guaranteed to get a viewpoint that is unexpected. Be prepared though; it could carry into the late hours.

Jeff Waters
Jeff is too busy traveling too write up a bio. But he does want us to know that he loves all things Southerly, almost as he loves his nieces and nephew. Oh, and that you are going to love his next article even more than this one. In between visits back to Marietta and beyond, Jeff is a Realtor on St. Simons Island.