I truly wasn’t prepared for the Artsfest this year because though I knew I’d see art, I had no idea just how amazing it would be, nor how long I’d want to stay. The annual Artsfest at Annmarie Gardens is a family-friendly event that will inspire, entertain, and possibly complete your Christmas shopping a little early. Just give yourself time. It isn’t small.
Over 170 artist booths line the paths through the forests, fill the Arts Center, and spill into the parking lot and grassy areas with a wide variety of art at a wide range of prices. We saw jewelry, pottery, oil painting and watercolor, photography, mixed-media, wood art, sculpture, and more. It’s really amazing how much is there. I had three hours and it wasn’t even close to enough time.
It’s a great opportunity to meet the artists and talk to them. Most are very happy to explain their work and some will even design custom work, so it’s a great way to find that perfect piece for your home. I was impressed with the quality. This isn’t just a crafts fair. You’ll find truly amazing pieces of art here.
Bring the kids. Shopping with you won’t be boring as many artists work at their booth, so you may see potters, painters, or carvers working. One potter gave the kids small pieces of clay to play with while they watched. They loved that. Children will also enjoy finding the fairy homes sprinkled throughout the woods along the path and can then create their own art in one of several activity stations.
Between browsing, you can relax on the lawn with a drink and some lunch and listen to one of the many performers on stage. There’s music all weekend, and you’ll see street performers as well like the colorfully dressed stilt walkers, bubble artists, and mimes. There were so many food venders, it was hard to decide what do eat. There’s a beer and wine tent as well.
Don’t miss the Artsfest. There’s so much to see and do that the entire family will enjoy the outing. Parking is free, food is plentiful, and it’s inspiring to see so much creativity in one place.
http://www.annmariegarden.org