Art Festivals

What are you doing this weekend? Find an art fair in your area. I enjoy going to art fairs, especially with a friend. We can to talk and walk. The art gives us something to talk about. When attending an Art Fair with a friend, agree ahead of time how long you want to stay. Be sure you are flexible, though, you never know when you will find art that will attract your attention and might take more time. Be prepared to stop when your friend is attracted to a booth too. I always plan a budget, even if I don’t intend to buy anything, so I am prepared if I find a treasure that I just can’t live without.

I attended an art fair in Des Moines last weekend, Heart Fest, put on by Stookey Companies. I found some beautifully designed earrings from Harpstone.




I was blown away by Woven Baskets by Martha Monson Lowe, Decorah Iowa, 563-387-0349.




I have many pieces of blown glass and the McKenzie's had a wonderful display.




I have never seen anything like the flower pictures from Ron and Virginia Wessel, v.wessel@mchsi.com.




My friend, Linda Bender, was showing her handspun wool and knitted items, llb@raccoon.com.




Stookey Companies put on the and will also coordinate 2 antique shows at Valley West Mall (March 1-4 & August 31-September 3, 2007). Antique shows and flea markets are fun too.

The Des Moines Arts Festival is rated the 3rd Best Art show in the country, June 29-July 1, 2007 will be the dates for this year’s festival, Downtown Des Moines' Western Gateway Park. Free admission. B ring the men, they can buy beer and you can get them to talk about the art. Talk, really.

The Fifth Annual "The Other Art Show" is June 30- July 1, 2007 at the Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fair Grounds. Hours: 10-6 Sat., 10-5 Sun. Over 200 Artists, Features Iowa and Regional Artists, Same weekend as downtown art show. Alternative, affordable show. See www.artfestmidwest.com for more details.