32nd Annual St. George Art Festival

St. George, UT April 13, 2011 — The 32nd Annual St. George Art Festival will be held Easter weekend, April 22-23 at the Town Square in St. George, Utah.  According to Kent Perkins, Leisure Services Director, “The St. George Art Festival is celebrating 32 years of incredible art, music, dance, food and fun, and is recognized as one of the finest festivals in the west.”  One hundred and ten nationally known painters, potters, jewelers, photographers, and sculptors in glass, bronze, steel, and fabric have been selected to exhibit.  There will be food for all tastes, three performing stages, and a children's art creation area to round out the festival. This truly great St. George tradition returns to the beautiful town square in historic downtown St. George.

THE INFO

Easter Weekend – Friday April 22 and Saturday April 23, 2011

THE FESTIVAL

The St. George Art Festival began 32 years ago showcasing the many artists who call St. George their home. Over the years it has expanded to include over 110 artists juried from hundreds of entries from throughout the United States. This festival has regional appeal for both artists and festival goers. Displaying thousands of original works of art, the festival is punctuated with pageantry, music and food. Townsfolk and visitors from around the West converge in the beautiful town of St. George on Easter weekend, one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. The festival takes place in the beautiful Town Square, the centerpiece of the Historic District. The Art Festival is known for consistently outstanding artwork, and does all it can to send the message to artists that they are appreciated and valued guests.

THE SHOW

The mild, sunny climate of St. George is particularly suited for this outdoor event. Artwork is displayed in booths designed individually by each artist. The many categories of art accepted include watercolor, oils, pottery, sculpture, photography, woodwork, and other creations. The show offers cash awards for Best of Show, Best 2D and 3D and ribbons for all categories. In addition, an artist’s work is selected each year to grace the following year’s poster. This Featured Artist receives a complementary entry into the festival.

ENTERTAINMENT

The festival also celebrates the performing arts with continuous entertainment performed on three separate stages. In addition a children’s area provides hands on creative opportunities for budding artists.

FOOD

The aroma and distinctive flavors of ethnic food can be found throughout the show (including Native American, Greek, Mexican, Italian, Polynesian, American, BBQ and many others).

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY AREA

A platform of craft projects, homemade musical instruments, games, puppetry, wild hair dos, face painting and entertainment will tackle the creative fancy of the younger attendees.

HISTORY

The St. George Art Festival started 32 years ago to showcase the many artists who call St. George their home. Over the years it has expanded to include over 110 artists selected from hundreds of entries from throughout the western United States. The Festival weekend has also become the biggest travel weekend of the year. Participants have commented on the festive atmosphere and the sense of excitement which the festival generates.

 LODGING

Artists and visitors are urged to make reservations well in advance. The accommodations throughout the county fill quickly. The local Chamber of Commerce provides a motel hotline number to assist visitors in locating rooms. The number is (800) 765-7710.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The St. George Art Festival is produced by the City of St. George Leisure Services Department. Contact them at (435) 627-4500 or email leisure@sgcity.org.  For detailed information, maps, and  2009 artist lineup go to www.sgcity.org/artfestival.