ArtFest 2012

It's back, ladies and gents! The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC)'s 27th annual ArtFest began at noon on Friday, June 1, and continues through 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 3. This three-day summer event features over 160 art booths and artists, delicious food, awesome music, and loads of creative fun. A Make-It-Art tent is set-up to engage children in some hands-on activities, and for those adults that harbor a taste for fine wine, you can relax at the beer and wine garden.

Coeur d'Alene Park will be boasting all the craftiness this year--about two blocks from the MAC in Spokane's historical Browne's Addition. There's no cost to attend this festival, so there's no reason not show up, grab a bite to eat, and take a glance or two at the different artwork displayed throughout the grounds.

For more information contact 509.456.3931, email artfest@northwestmuseum.org, or www.northwestmuseum.org.

Spokane does Sci-fi/Fantasy this weekend

This weekend, if you see some interestingly dressed folks wandering around the Gonzaga Campus, fear not. It is just the local sci-fi/fantasy lovers letting their imaginations out in the open...I just thought you'd like to know that the 2009 SpoCon is in town this weekend. Starting this afternoon and ending Sunday evening, they will host panels, workshops, readings, and much more. Some of the topics I noted might be of interest to local writers were: finding your voice, looking at what's in a story, info on self-publishing, reading/performance tips, how to write for young adults, music/songwriting lessons, doing research, and how to write Elvish. I don't really know what this last one is, but it sounds interesting. I figure it's always great to get new perspectives on writing from a variety of sources. The also have a workshop on Saturday morning for writers under the age of 18. All sort of options for you to check out. According to their website, the whole weekend costs $35.

For more information check out: http://www.spocon2009.com/

Look for Get Lit! Programs at ArtFest

It's that time of year again when the Coeur d’ Alene Park in Browne's Addition of Spokane turns into a grand celebration of the arts.

Every year, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture hosts this spectacular showcase of artisans, musicians, and culinary treats. This year's festival is the 24th of its kind and promises to be as fun and festive as all the others, but will have the extra treat of Get Lit! participating in the Make-It-Art event. Look for the big tent for hands-on art-making experiences for kids and families. The six projects will include:

Make-it-You: Face-Painting w/ The MAC
Make-it-World: Origami Cranes w/ The Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane
Make-it-Live: Fish Collages & Water Education w/ The Lands Council
Make-it-Play: Mask-Making w/ Spokane Civic Theater
Make-it-Help: Recycled & Ready-made PSA's w/ Youth Sustainability Council
Make-it-Read: Word-Art w/ Get Lit! Programs

($3 donation to the MAC’s Education Programs per activity)

In addition, visitors to the ArtFest will be able to enjoy 120 juried artist booths featuring paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, wood, textiles and much more, a dozen food vendors of every sort, and continuous live music.

ArtFest Hours:

Friday May 29: Noon to 8 p.m. (Music until 10 p.m.)

Saturday May 30: 10 am to 8 pm (music until 10 pm)

Sunday May 31: 10 am to 5 pm

Music:

Friday headliner (8-9:45 p.m.) Too Slim and the Taildraggers with the Underworld Orchestra Horns

Saturday headliner (8-9:45 p.m.) Big Mumbo Blues Band

Find out more details at the MAC's Art Fest website, then join us for what promises to be a fun and entertaining weekend!