We Heart the Arts

It’s ArtsFest time again. And guess what? They’re going green, too!

The only thing surer than wacky springtime weather in Springfield is the arrival of ArtsFest the first weekend in May—and those two traditions typically coincide. But mother nature has dumped on us so much in 2008, she surely wouldn’t cast a pall on ArtsFest ’08.

This year’s event will be similar to years past, with a few significant changes, the biggest of which affects your pooch. This year’s theme is “Art Goes Green,” because green is the new black.

Artsfest highlights:

Art Garden: Local high school students will face off in designing gardens made entirely of recycled materials–cans, plastic and otherwise.

Rain barrel design: The James River Basin Partnership will reveal rain barrels designed and painted by local artists. The barrels are being sold to businesses and residences as a way to better utilize runoff from rainwater. Look for one-of-a-kind barrels placed throughout the event.

Vote for your favorite artist: New this year, when you vote for your favorite artist (UDA organizer Erin Russell says painters, photographers and clay workers typically comprise the majority of the artists) you’re also entering to win $500 in ArtFest Art Bucks, which you can use at the festival. Voting on Saturday only.
An Evening at ArtsFest: Once again, the Springfield Symphony will wrap up Saturday evening with a free, live concert in Jordan Valley Park. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Onstage: The arts at ArtsFest aren’t exclusively visual. There are five entertainment stages, featuring community performance groups and musical acts.
ArtsFiesta: Hosted by the Springfield Sister Cities Association, ArtsFiesta is Springfield’s least-alcoholic Cinco De Mayo celebration, featuring Mexican art and even a real-life mariachi band from Springfield’s sister city of Tlaquepaque (pronounced tla-kay-PAH-kay, or so say the Googles).

Doggie Dos and Don’ts: Dogs are still invited to ArtsFest this year, but the organized canine activities (see sidebar below) have been spun off into a separate event. Pet owners will once again be asked to sign a waiver and place a green ribbon on the pet’s collar or leash. Russell also says owners will be reminded not to take animals into artists’ booths. Apparently urine decreases the value of one-of-a-kind art works. Who knew?

UGO: ArtsFest 2008

May 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
May 4, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Walnut Street between Hammons Parkway and National
$3 in advance at McDonald’s, $5 at the gate
springfieldarts.org
udaonline.com

The Dogs Have Their Day

ArtsFest is as well known as a place to take your dog as for an arts showcase. Everyone and their brother brings a canine; they walk along Walnut Street in sweaters and bows, of every shape, size and breed. In the past, many owners have brought their animals to participate in the annual beauty pageant and parade, among other events.

This year, the dog-centric activities are being moved up a week, and will take place on Commercial Street instead of Walnut. However, dogs are still allowed at ArtsFest, says UDA organizer Erin Russell.

ArfFest 2008 will take place on Sunday, April 27, from 1 to 6 p.m. near the Jefferson Avenue footbridge near the intersection of Commercial and Jefferson Avenue. The schedule includes a beauty show (2 p.m.), a costumed pageant where owners are encouraged to dress up like historical figures and their pets (4 p.m.) and an open-air pet portrait gallery (all day). We’d also be surprised if there weren’t plenty of snacks and water around to keep your furry friend satisfied (and you, as well).

ArfFest is sponsored by the Springfield Regional Arts Council and the Springfield Animal Advocacy Council.

UGO: ArfFest

Sunday, April 27
Commercial Street (near the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge)
1 p.m., $5 (w/ entry fee),
$3 just to watch
springfieldarts.org