The annual celebration of original fine art and contemporary crafts will take place in Manitou Springs Memorial Park for its 48th year. This family-friendly juried art festival features something for everyone: great art shopping, tasty food, original music, art-related activities for kids and more.
Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 3, 4 and 5; Memorial Park is in the 500 block of Manitou Avenue. Admission is always free.
Many favorite artists from past years are returning, as well as some exciting new artists. Sculptors, jewelers, potters, photographers, glass artists, painters and more are coming from all over Colorado and neighboring states to share their creations with art-appreciating visitors.
Art lovers can meet the artists and talk to them about their work before taking home something unique — or find the perfect holiday gift.
Kids can watch balloon creatures appear with a few twists or create giant bubbles at the Millibo Art Theatre booth. People of all ages (grownups too) can have their faces painted to wear a bit of art.
Free parking will be available at Fields Park, at the corner of Beckers Lane and El Paso Boulevard. Free shuttles will make stops at all the Metro Bus stops along Manitou Avenue and El Paso Boulevard.
More parking suggestions can be found at www.commonwheel.com/map-parking–manitou-shuttle1.html.
Musical LINE UP
Talented local musicians will perform all three days, starting at noon. The schedule:
Saturday
Interrobang — Alt-rock/grunge/funk band from Colorado Springs.
A Carpenter’s Daughter — Dabble in different genres with a style straight from the mountains.
Sunday
High Mountain Duet — A heartfelt acoustic band from Manitou Springs.
Joe Johnson —The singer/songwriter will perform from his vast catalog of diverse material.
Monday
Look’ee Here — Hollerin’, stompin’, just foolin’ around — a different kind of the blues.
Roma Ransom — This duo performs their own style of world folk music
and let’s not forget about FOOD
These vendors are scheduled to participate:
Big Squeeze Lemonade
Lucy’s Armenian Mediterranean Grill
Thai Pepper
Goldminer’s Candy
Happy Hour Donuts