Area art festivals celebrate varied creative visions
From chalk masterpieces that fade away to oil paintings cherished for a century, Houstonians love their art. Autumn offers the opportunity to view locally made and handcrafted arts and crafts, but also antiques and fine art from master artists and craftsman.
One of the oldest and most well-known of these events is the Bayou City Art Festival Downtown. Now in its 48th year, the festival attracts more than 15,000 people to downtown to meet artists, make art and challenge ideas and creativity.
Roger Bare, executive director of Art Colony Association (the producer of the event), said the festival has transitioned over the years into one of the top art festivals in the country.
“We use a jury to select the artists, and that independence raises the profile of the festival,” he said. “The 300 best artists get into this festival as a result of that process. We’ve launched a lot of artistic careers through the festival. We have a ‘rising talent’ section to give new artists an opportunity to get their work into the festival.”
One of Bare’s favorite aspects of the festival is the Children’s Creative Zone, where the festival’s nonprofit partners host handson art activities for all ages.
“I love that every kid gets to do multiple art activities and produce things they can take home with them,” he said.
The Art Colony Association produces both the Bayou City Art Festival Downtown in the fall and Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park in the spring. The nonprofit organization has raised $3.6 million from the festivals in support of other local organizations.