The 41st annual Sun Valley Center Arts & Crafts Festival will fill Ketchum's Atkinson Park with art, music, artist demonstrations, family activities and food from local vendors at one of the community's favorite events of the summer, Friday through Sunday, August 7–9.
The three-day festival has grown from a small gathering of artists to one of the top 100 outdoor juried festivals in the nation, with more than 20,000 visitors each year and 130 participating artists from across the country. But Festival Director Britt Udesen says it's more than just the art that draws the crowds. "What makes the Sun Valley Center Arts & Crafts Festival a successful and unique event is that it appeals to adults and kids, serious art collectors and curious shoppers alike," she says. "You can learn about a new medium by asking an artist questions or watching a demonstration. You can listen to music all weekend long, for free. And kids can make free art projects they'll be proud to bring home."
Hundreds of artists apply every year for the chance to display and sell their handmade fine arts and crafts—from glasswork, fiber and jewelry to paintings, woodworking and toys—at a wide range of price levels. Every year brings a stimulating mix of new faces and old favorites. Last year's Best of Show Artist Sasha Samuels (jewelry) is returning, as are other 2008 winners Carol Lebreton (ceramics), Shelia Evans (drawing) and Ray Hartl (photography).
Buying art—or just browsing—is only part of what there is to see and do at the Festival. Artist demonstrations, kids' activities and free musical entertainment are popular traditions at the Sun Valley Center Arts & Crafts Festival and part of what makes the Festival a unique and inclusive community event.
"It's amazing to me that we're not only able to bring great artists to our small town but that we can make the Festival accessible and exciting for the whole community," Udesen says. "We're so lucky to have great teachers willing to spend the weekend in the sun getting covered in glue and glitter as well as local artists who will take the time to explain to visitors how they make their incredible work."
The kids activity area is open from 11 to 2 pm, with a different project each day led by a guest artist. On Friday, kids will make masks with Kathleen Fergus. On Saturday they can make felt gardens with Beth Rogers, and on Sunday Joni Cashman returns to lead the always popular sun hat project. An informal coloring project will also be available each day. All children under the age of 8 are welcome with an adult who is ready, able and willing to help them create art. Children ages 8–12 can work on their own but cannot leave the area unattended. Supplies are free of charge thanks to our generous donors and experienced volunteers.
Artist demonstrations are fun for all ages. A different artist will be on hand each day from 1 to 4 pm. On Friday, Susan Ward of Boulder Mountain Clayworks will demonstrate ceramics; on Saturday, R. C. Hink will demonstrate woodworking; and on Sunday, Deb Gelet will demonstrate fiber art. Be sure to drop in at the Artists' Demonstration Tent and check on their progress, ask questions and see what they are making.
As if that weren't enough, there's entertainment every afternoon (a full schedule follows, or check our website at www.sunvalleycenter.org) and food for sale from local vendors.
"The performing arts stage at the Arts & Crafts Festival presents a great opportunity to showcase the rich musical talent in the Wood River Valley," Udesen says. "There is fabulous music all weekend, including The Toastpoints on Friday evening. This Wood River Valley based group formed more than 25 years ago to show the Valley what eclectic Americana rock is all about and has become a local favorite over the years. Hearing them at this year's Arts and Crafts Festival, you'll quickly learn why."
Festival hours are 10 am–6:30 pm Friday and Saturday, Aug 7 & 8, and 10 am–5 pm Sunday, August 9. Bring the kids, bring a picnic, but please NO DOGS OR GLASS containers—they are not allowed at the park! Atkinson Park is located in west Ketchum at the corner of Eighth Street and Second Avenue. Parking is available at the Hemingway Elementary School lot. Overflow parking is available at the Simplot lot (future home of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts), across from the post office.
Thanks to Mountain West Bankand Yellow Book for once again sponsoring the Festival and thanks to media sponsor Boise State Radio. Thanks also to the City of Ketchum Parks and Recreation Department for making Atkinson Park available for the festival and to the many community volunteers without whom this event would not be possible.
Noon–1 pm No Cheap Horses, country folk
1:30–2:30 pm Half Bender, acoustic rock
3:30–4:30 pm Cow Says Moo, classic rock
5:00–6:00 pm Bruce Innes Trio, acoustic folk
6:30–8:00 pm The Toastpoints, eclectic original rock
11 am–noon The Shims, eclectic Americana
12:30–1:30 pm Four Stroke Bus, acoustic folk
2:00–3:00 pm DJ MC, ambient/world
3:30–4:30 pm The B-3 Side, jazz
5:00–6:00 pm Molly Venter, acoustic folk
11:30 am–12:30 pm Hat Trick, acoustic rock
1:00–2:00 pm Loose Change, acoustic folk
2:30–3:30 pm Hickory Blue, acoustic folk
3:45–4:45 pm Kim Stocking Band, country/folk
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