Edmonds Art Festival
Our quaint town of Edmonds, outlined with the beautiful Olympic Mountains and pressed against the relaxing blue water of Puget Sound, is by far one of the most scenic sights to enjoy. As the sun rolls over the sound out west, and the ferry takes off into the sunset, it creates a picture perfect painting. Just as Edmonds is beautiful in nature, our locals respect and enjoy the importance of art − creating one of the most popular art events in the Seattle area − the Edmonds Art Festival.
Every year, for Father’s Day weekend, the Edmonds Art Festival offers some of the most astonishing pieces of art and crafts. Over a three-day event, we celebrate with live music, dining, shopping and more − all to honor our local artists. The event will be open on Friday and Saturday, June 19 to 20, from 10am to 8pm and Sunday, June 21, from 10am to 6pm.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this event is that the Edmonds Art Festival, which is a non-profit organization, uses the funds for scholarships and grants for the community. The event is completely staffed by volunteers, and all of their hard work and dedication is because of their relentless passion for art.
With more than 240 booths for artists to rent, you are sure to find some of the most unique pieces of work. From photography to crafts, sculpture to glass, there are local artists in every medium. There will be two different sections where booths can be found. Out in the field, you will find more than 200 artist booths showcasing paintings, photography, clothing, glasswork, woodwork, yard art, musical art, jewelry, metal work and more! In the plaza, you will see artisan foods, rugs, clothing, handbags, seasonal crafts, beauty works and other specialty items. Between these two sections, all different types of arts will be suitably showcased and available for purchase.
If you are in search of something a little higher-end, the juried art galleries are for you. Located in the Anderson Center are three different galleries showcasing the finest of art. From more than 200 area artists, you can find the highest quality of work. One gallery offers paintings, prints and drawings. The other offers three-dimensional pieces of art, and the last one is for photography. The artists in these specialty showcases range in expertise from emerging to highly established artists. But all of their work is simply extravagant. Each form of talent will be awarded with prizes and of course, all pieces are for sale.
Not all of the artists consist of your standard professionals. Our students in the Edmonds School District are young and upcoming artists. Be astonished at how age is no variable in the talent to be seen. More than 1,000 pieces of work will be displayed that have been created by our kindergarten through twelfth grade students. Promoting arts at a young age is one of the missions that the Edmonds Art Festival is proud to promote. Having these students be rewarded with recognition is what feeds young artists.
If you are looking for something hands-on to entertain the kids, visit the activity center at the festival. Here, with guided supervision, kids will have the opportunity to create a beautiful piece of work of their own to bring home. This is also where you can get face painting and other fun activities.
Food options can be found all over the festival grounds as well: along 8th Avenue, in the food court as well as various food trucks. Options vary from desserts, dinners, wines, vegan and organic choices, specialty snacks and festival classics. There are a number of choices that will appeal to palates of all ages. Some of the artist booths this year offer grub as well. The Salish Sea Brewing Company offers a place to sit and relax while enjoying artisan beers and wines.
Unlike most festivals that offer just live music, the Edmonds Art Festival wants to honor the performing arts as well. Come kick-back, relax, and enjoy several performances of dance and theater in an outdoor amphitheater. Check out some of the top musical acts by local performers in the community, professional performers and schools. Music varies from different genres, but every year they get excellent reviews. Some of the school ensembles and performers will play in the more intimate setting of the Anderson Center. Here, you can enjoy a more casual experience in a smaller setting.
The Edmonds Art Festival organization is keeping the love of art alive and sharing these beautifully talented people with the community. Even as large and astonishing as this event has become, all proceeds from the festival go back to the community through scholarships and grants. If you are looking to contribute further, visit the Edmonds Art Festival store! Check out some gift items with their logo on it to help support arts education in Edmonds. Or if you would like to be a patron or make general donations to help them continue to share their passion, visit them online at www.edmondsartsfestival.com.
