As always the Festival has some exciting new things in the works. Read on . . .
Brie Kriebel Clothing
Festival Fashion Show
Saturday, 2 pm on the KPLU Stage (8th St.)
For the first time ever, Festival attendees will have the opportunity to see a sampling of the fantastic wearable art offered by our booth artisans. Clothing, jewelry, bags and hats are among the items being modeled. Don't miss this runway show on the KPLU Stage at 2 pm on Saturday.
Director Retiring
Many thanks to Joan Tezak . . .
After 22 years, Festival Director Joan Tezak is retiring. Thanks to her vision and leadership, the Festival is on solid ground and poised to move forward. She will be missed. Joan's plans now include travel, family and summers off! The Board is currently reviewing applications and anticipating the announcement of a new director soon. Joan will be honored at the Arts at the Port Opening Event on Saturday, July 27th at the Port Transit Shed, from 6 - 8 pm. Please join us at this free celebration.
Brian Majors chalk painting
Masterpieces in chalk
Working Artist focus for the year
Bellingham artist Brian Majors will be taking the lead in recreating well know masterpieces in chalk painting on the street in the Working Artist area on Saturday and Sunday from 10 - 4. He will be painting Klimt's "The Kiss" while wife Diane will be helping Festival participants in a "paint-by-numbers" project of Hokusai's "The Wave". Artists Ron Pattern and Laurie Potter will be rounding out the chalk art team. Other artists will be demonstrating sculpture, weaving & spinning, woodturning, basket making and chain saw sculpture.
The Art Dash is a partnership between the Festival and the Anacortes Parks and Recreation that takes place the Saturday before the Festival, July 27th. This half-marathon, 10k, 5k run starts at City Hall, takes runners on the Tommy Thompson Trail and finishes at the Port of Anacortes dock. Runners are treated to ethnic drumming as they cross the finish line - as well as refreshments and awards. Best of all, the profits from the run support public art projects like the mural project on the Tommy Thompson Trail. In it's 8th year, it has grown in popularity and expects around 700 runners this year. Learn more
Peregrine OGormeley sculpture placed at Anacortes High School through the Anacortes Collects Program
Giving in Action
Anacortes Collects Program awards $4,000 annually
Each year the Festival designates $4,000 for the Anacortes Collects Program to purchase artwork from the Arts at the Port exhibitions for a partner to display in a public location. The partner chooses the work and it becomes their property - with the stipulation that it remain on public display. The program evolved from the Permanent Collection as a way to get artwork into the community. This year's partner is Island Hospital. Previous partners include The Port of Anacortes, the Marine Technology Center, Anacortes School District, the City of Anacortes and the Anacortes Public Library.
