All images courtesy and copyright of Tempe Festival of the Arts.
The Tempe Festival of the Arts 2016 Spring Festival Returns April 8th!
by Nicole Royse
Arts Editor
Since its beginning, the Tempe Festival of the Arts has prided itself on showcasing amazing art and its talented artists and has consistently been ranked in the Top 100 Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows in the nation. Highlighting a diverse array of jury-selected artists working in 16 different visual arts categories (including ceramics, jewelry, photography, wearable art, and wood), the Festival will showcase 400 artist booths along the streets of Mill Avenue.
This year the Tempe Festival of the Arts received around 700 applicants that are then juried by members of the local art community who ranks the top artisans in each category to participate in the Festival, and the highest-ranking artists receive invitations to participate. During the Festival, a new jury selects the best overall artist and the top artist in each category and these winners receive cash honoraria awards. This year’s featured artist is Vicki Fish, creating mixed media constructions with re-purposed materials, which are “influenced by myths, nature, animals, and personal journeys incorporating a sense of humor”.
An exciting selection of live music including blues, jazz and bluegrass will line the streets, and three different stages as well, showcasing a selection of acclaimed musicians and interactive performances. The Festival Stage will feature live entertainment throughout the event along with street performers, food and beverage vendors, sponsor exhibits, and entertainment booths are set up for the amusement of Festival visitors.
Back for its second year is the Festival After Dark, a special lounge paired with The Arizona Wine Festival and the Art of Beer happening 5:30 to 8PM on both Friday and Saturday nights. Don’t miss these two wonderful evenings spent exploring art, listening to live music, and partaking in craft beers and local Arizona wines! The Arizona Wine Festival will highlight local wineries Arizona Strong Hold Vineyards, Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Pillsbury Wine Company, and Sonoita Vineyards. The Art of Beer offers the opportunity to try great local brews from Tempe-based breweries Four Peaks Brewing Company and Gordon Biersch.
Also enjoy a spectacular collection of 3,500 ceramic pieces when you stop by the ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center and Brickyard Gallery. Located at the Brickyard on Mill this facility features an interesting gallery space and open storage combination handled by the Ceramics Research Center.
The 39th Annual 2016 Spring Festival returns to Downtown Tempe highlighting art from around the country, local edibles and excellent entertainment in an incredible 3-day event April 8th through April 10th, 2016. Visitors can meander around Mill Avenue exploring unique and hand-made pieces, meet the artists and shop an eclectic collection of work. The festival encompasses the streets from 3rd Street to University and did we mention admission is FREE and open daily from 10AM to 5:30PM?
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For complete Tempe Festival of the Arts details, artist line up and entertainment schedule visit their website. Follow the Tempe Festival of the Arts on Twitter and on Facebook and don’t forget to share your photos throughout the festival!
