Eureka Springs celebrates the arts in May

The entire month of May is devoted to the arts in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  The 29th Annual May Festival of the Arts celebrates the visual, performing, and even edible arts and showcases more than 350 working artists that live in the community.  Because of the length of the festival and the many venues available, every artist in the city has an opportunity to show.   Each day of the entire month has something happening.

The vibrant ArtRageous Parade is the traditional kick-off for the festival.   It will roll down Spring Street beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 7.  Grand Marshal John Rankine will lead the stream of floats, art cars, walkers, dancers, musicians, jugglers and more.

Gallery strolls, usually only held the second Saturday evening of each month, are scheduled for every Saturday evening in May.   In addition to free refreshments at participating galleries, each gallery stroll will also include special artists' receptions and shows.

Enjoy a day of artistry of every form in lovely Basin Spring Park on Saturday, May 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Art in the Park. Artists offering textiles, jewelry, painting, sculpting, and fine wood designs will be available all day to discuss their process and medium. Enjoy art as it is being created as you watch members of the Weavers Guild, the Potters Guild, and the Plein Air Painters as they work in the beautiful park setting. Wonderful music is being provided for your listening enjoyment all afternoon in Basin Park including two free performances by saxophonist/flutist Bryan Savage . A day of enjoyment in every sense of the word.

White Street Walk is one of the month's most festive and well-attended events, which takes place from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, May 20.   Historic White Street is the working address of a large number of local artists who welcome the public into their homes and studios to tour, view their latest works and purchase directly from the artist.

A new event for the 2016 festival is The Art of Crochet.   On Saturday, May 24 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Basin Spring Park.  The event features all day community yarn bombing, activities for all ages, a Melonlight Dance Studio performance, and live music by Brian Martin and Sad Daddy.

Both culinary and fine arts will be on display this month during "A Taste of Art."  Eureka Springs' restaurants will host local artists and their works while tempting the public with their cuisine.

For more information about the Eureka Springs May Festival of the Arts and a VERY full calendar of events, visit www.eurekaspringsfestivalofthearts.com.

The Gayly - 4/20/2016 @ 3:00 p.m. CDT