We are counting down to Jasper ArtFest 2013, and there are only a few weeks left!
It’s hard to believe that we are into the Third Annual Jasper ArtFest, when it seems like just yesterday we had an idea to try a downtown art festival. It has been a somewhat surprising success from day one. Last year we had no luck with the weather, but managed to have a good turnout of artists and guests anyway.
As always, we are trying a couple of new things this year to make it even better.
Local artist Bob Jorns is organizing a plein aire art competition this year, featuring artists around the festival site actually painting the outdoors. For those not familiar with plein aire, it is a French expression meaning "in the open air”. Artists will complete their work during an allotted time on Saturday, and the work will be judged that evening for selection of prize winners. Their work will also be available for sale through Sharptop Arts Association. If you happen to know an artist of this persuasion, tell them to contact Bob Jorns at JasperArtFest@gmail.com .
Another addition on Saturday is an outdoor celebration of food and beer (or wine if you prefer) at the Woodbridge Inn, hosted in part by Eagle Rock Distributing Company. In addition to food and drink there will be music across the bridge. “Novelty food” (shaved ice, kettle corn, and so forth) will be offered in the food court, but for meals we encourage everyone to go to one of our participating restaurants, who will be featured on our maps and in our Welcome Booth.
We already have a record number of artists signed up to display and sell their original works. As usual, the work must be juried for admission, and will not include crafts or resale. We do allow no more than two artists to share a booth, so the $95 entry fee is very economical compared to most juried shows. Displaying artists will be judged for best booth prizes as well. There is no admission to the public, so we want everyone to come and enjoy the fun.
We also have the return of the popular “Art of the Auto” display, featuring Ford Model “A’s” on Saturday, and the always popular “Big Rig” show of custom road tractors on Sunday. Both auto displays will begin at 11:00 AM and conclude by 3:00 PM on South Main.
Of course, we really need the participation of volunteers and sponsors. Sponsor money is what makes this show happen. We do not seek to make a profit, but there are still tons of expenses associated with this type of event. Any surplus we may have will be donated to a local cause. The available sponsor levels along with sponsor pledge forms can be found by going to http://www.jasperartfest.org/ . This year we will be offering “Sponsor Wampum” in the form of a rebate for sponsors levels of $500 or more to be used during the show for art purchases (details are on the website). You will also receive more than your money’s worth in advertising.
Show dates are April 20-21, from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and 10 AM to 4 PM on Sunday.
We want everyone to attend. You don’t have to leave town for a new experience! Come support our artists and local businesses, and help make Jasper the center of foothill art experiences!
Ron Barnes is a director of the Jasper ArtFest Organizing Committee. More information can be obtained by visiting www.JasperArtFest.org or by emailing JasperArtFest@gmail.com . All claims are believed to be accurate but are not warranted by JasperArtFest, LLC.
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