Art for Art’s Sake?
The Edmonds Arts Festival arrives for its 59th year on Father’s Day weekend, June 17, 18 and 19. Their group of dedicated volunteers brings together our talented art colony with a chance to display their work for the community at large. The arts festival is managed by an all-volunteer board of directors and more than 20 committees. There are subcommittees for set-up and display, which turn the Frances Anderson gym into a huge walk-through gallery.
A group of volunteers has been working all year in the procurement of unique and original canvases from our local professional art community. A large spectrum of the group also coordinates the contributions from the classrooms of the Edmonds School District to showcase the individual efforts of their students. The intent of the Arts Association is to produce a not-for-profit event, which will enrich and entertain the entire community and showcase rising young talent as well.
There is some serious competition among the professional art community before the public arrives for the festival. Many artists have submitted their works to a panel of qualified judges in the hopes of having that prestigious blue ribbon on their work as it goes up in the gallery. Indeed, passing amongst the paintings, it is fun to critique the judges’ choices.
More than 240 artists will set up booths on the playing field, displaying handcrafted items from bowls and vases, to sculpture, wood-working, jewelry design and metal motifs, just to name a few of my favorites. Here is where you will also find yard art, garden gnomes, wind chimes, planters and whimsical bird houses. These tented displays act like mini-shops, where the artist is on-hand to tell you how the work was created and answer any questions. This is a great chance to purchase something special for your home or a unique one-of-a-kind item as a gift for a friend. Bring a tote bag (or buy one) to carry around your purchases!
Another area is set up on the plaza level, above the library, where parasols shade the tables of home-crafted “soft” wares. Here, artisans show off hanging racks of tie-dyed scarves, T-shirts and dresses. You can also find hand-tooled purses, perfumed soaps, table linens, woven baskets and delicate jewelry.
One of my favorite areas to browse is through the pictures and posters of our youngest artists. Last year there were more than 1,000 pieces of art work, submitted from grades kindergarten to 12th grade, all in the Edmonds School District. With that age range, you can imagine the variety of these presentations!
Student art also receives special recognition from local jurors, who are familiar with the style of young artists. The Pederson Family Award has been given for the past 25 years to an outstanding student with extraordinary talent; such a prestigious award is much coveted by all entrants.
Throughout the weekend, the Kids Corner will be a beehive of activity. From face painting to modeling clay, paints and pastels, ages 4 through 12 years can have a hands-on art experience. What better place to explore artistic achievement, than here at the FREE Kids corner? Who knows? You may have the next Picasso, creating a future masterpiece, right here at the Edmonds Arts Festival!
For more information, go to edmondsartsfestival.com.
