Art in the Pearl

 

Art Festivals are not contests, but celebrations, but, if I were asked to rank the three festivals that PNWS participated in this summer, last weekend’s Art in the Pearl would come out on top. Reasons? Setting, quality and outreach. 

Setting: The North Park Blocks, in the heart of the city, are shaded by magnificent old trees that create a blended atmosphere of dappled sun and cool shadows. The parkway is wide enough to accommodate over 100 artists booths without feeling too crowded, and still there is plenty of space for the crowds, including dogs and children.  AitP’s mission for 27 years has been “To build an interactive environment between the artists and the community.” in addition to artists’ booths, the show focuses on art education, art demonstrations (that’s where PNWS comes in) and performance art. Also, being in the hub of the city, it’s hard to beat for peoplewatching.  

Quality: Control standards are stringent. Only original work is permitted. It remains an artist-friendly show organized by artists for artists. Voted one of the country’s 10 best festivals, it is highly juried and the list is long for artists wanting to participate. As you wander from booth to booth, you are emersed in an amazing display of excellence in every art form you can imagine and many you would not have dreamt of. The participating artists embrace a sense of community that is void of the competitive energy prevalent in so much of our culture.

Outreach: Art in the Pearl remains a grass-roots movement, run by scores of volunteers. An entire block is devoted to demonstration booths, hands-on activities and art information centers. PNWS, alongside other local guilds, have had a presence here for many years. For three days, our booth had a constant stream of art lovers stop, ask and engage. 

There are just three reasons I vote AitP the “Crown Jewel” of local art festivals…and because they clearly have the best hospitality booth (free food & drinks for artists and demonstrators) ever!