"Because it makes people happy," chimed two young girls offering free hugs to the public. That same sentiment reverbed through the air of ArtFest, the summer 2008 festival that is often given rave reviews by all the local publications. ArtFest 2008 lived up to the expectations, featuring several dozen art vendors, painters, sculptors, jewelers, and craftspeople showing off and selling their prized creations.
Yuriy Maltsev has been painting for 35 years, and with his masters in Fine Art has a full-time job doing paintings, stained glass art, and more. Maltsev and his wife, both from Ukraine, were happy to be at ArtFest, but the sales weren't coming as fast as hoped. Prices, however, ranged from $300 to $1800 for the landscape paintings they had on display. Maltsev would rather paint people and motion, but they say landscapes sell better. "I like to paint dancers, musicians, showing movement," said Maltsev. "I use bold colors to increase emotion and impression of the painting."
Another couple was selling various pieces of jewelry. Darla Ellickson, who has been making their style of jewelry for 29 years, complemented the organizers. "This is a nice show, a very nice show," said Ellickson. She's also happy for the "very appreciative, knowledgeable audience."
Impending storms disrupted evening activities, and art vendors were told they had to close up shop early Saturday afternoon. Many vendors were taking their time. Ellickson, however, thanked the promoters for their warnings. "I applaud the promoters for warning the artists about the storm."
William Graham, another art creator, has been making colorful metal sculptures for 10 years. Sales have been good, he says. "Many of my people this morning were repeat customers," said Graham, who is selling at his fourth ArtFest.
Even visitors had nice things to say. Joe Roza, first time visitor to ArtFest, complemented the festival. "It's pretty nice. It's actually pretty big so I'm impressed," said Rosa. "I'm all about art so it intrigues me," he continued.
Yuriy Maltsev has been painting for 35 years, and with his masters in Fine Art has a full-time job doing paintings, stained glass art, and more. Maltsev and his wife, both from Ukraine, were happy to be at ArtFest, but the sales weren't coming as fast as hoped. Prices, however, ranged from $300 to $1800 for the landscape paintings they had on display. Maltsev would rather paint people and motion, but they say landscapes sell better. "I like to paint dancers, musicians, showing movement," said Maltsev. "I use bold colors to increase emotion and impression of the painting."
Another couple was selling various pieces of jewelry. Darla Ellickson, who has been making their style of jewelry for 29 years, complemented the organizers. "This is a nice show, a very nice show," said Ellickson. She's also happy for the "very appreciative, knowledgeable audience."
Impending storms disrupted evening activities, and art vendors were told they had to close up shop early Saturday afternoon. Many vendors were taking their time. Ellickson, however, thanked the promoters for their warnings. "I applaud the promoters for warning the artists about the storm."
William Graham, another art creator, has been making colorful metal sculptures for 10 years. Sales have been good, he says. "Many of my people this morning were repeat customers," said Graham, who is selling at his fourth ArtFest.
Even visitors had nice things to say. Joe Roza, first time visitor to ArtFest, complemented the festival. "It's pretty nice. It's actually pretty big so I'm impressed," said Rosa. "I'm all about art so it intrigues me," he continued.
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