Outdoor opportunities: Second-year art festival in Rogers attracts national, local artists
Posted on Friday, September 5, 2008
It's only a year old, but the word is out about the Pinnacle Hills Art Festival, said Steve Schmidt, the event's co-producer.
Last year, the first edition of the show featured a collection of works with an emphasis on local and regional artists. But because of solid reviews of the show and the buzz it created in the art community, artists from a much broader geographical range will participate in this year's show. They will travel from Michigan, Florida, Georgia and other locations to converge at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers where the event takes place.
The diversity and talent of the artists who will participate are what makes it a great show, said Schmidt, who also serves as the executive director of the Eureka Springs Artist Registry.
"I think the primary strengths are just the caliber of the artists,"he said. "We jury the art very tightly."
Of the 275 applications the group received from artists, the jury selected just more than 100 for the event. The 25 percent growth in the art show's size is reflective of the new exhibitors from outside the region, Schmidt said.
The festival is also expanding the hours patrons can view the works. Guests can also peruse the art on Friday evening this year.
Artists were selected not only for their talents, but also to provide a many different types of art. Expect to see photographs, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, painting and textiles for sale, Schmidt said.
Because of the range of the artists featured at the Pinnacle Hills Art Festival, there will also be vast differences in the prices of the art: some works might be $20, others might be several thousand dollars.
"We want a wide selection,"he said. "We want to have something for everyone."
The event is kid-friendly, Schmidt said. Among the events taking place is a free workshop by Eureka Springs artist Ralph Wilson, also known as Mr. Shrine.
During the workshop, which will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Wilson will provide materials for children to make miniature art cars.
Life-size art cars will be on display at the festival.
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