Carly Sharec
csharec@dawsonadvertiser.com
Anyone looking for live entertainment, informative educational programs, interesting artwork and good food should look no further than Art in the Garden: Spring Fling, an annual event sponsored by the Dawson County Arts Council.
The two-day event kicks off at 7 p.m. May 4 with a street dance featuring the Remember When Band, with an actual arts and crafts show held over the weekend. The show will be teeming with an array of activities and vendors, including Kimberly Riggans company, Sassy Hats.
This will be my second time doing the show, Riggan said. I had excellent response (the first show). I had people dragging all their friends over to come see my hats. ... I enjoyed the show. They had a nice collection of vendors, and a nice selection of crafts.
Pat Martin echoed Riggans comments. Martin, a returning vendor, also has played a key role in organizing this years event.
I actually put together the layout for (the show), plus Ive been looking for vendors to participate, she explained. Martin also will sell customized jewelry pieces from her company, Uniquely You Custom Jewelry.
There will be four major nurseries attending, she said, rattling off the amount of activities and resources that will be available at this years event. We have artists that will be showing their work. We have a silversmith who is also an oil artist. We have photography, we have oil painting ... we have women making clothes. And this year, we are incorporating presentations.
These presentations will feature artisans, including a blacksmith who will demonstrate his trade. Another presentation expected to be of interest is by a woodmaker who makes puzzles. Of course, there will also be practical presentations on gardening to help people prepare for their spring and summer gardens. It should be a really good event, with all of the music and presentations, Martin said.
Marcia Chelf, director of the Arts Council, agreed. We have a lot of great garden companies coming in, she said. So if someone is into gardening, this is a great, great show to come to. Chelf was quick to point out that there were several activities for people of all ages and interest levels, so even if an attendee is not interested in gardening, he or she should find something that appeals.
There will also be food vendors and plenty of kid-friendly activities, including facepainting and horseback riding. Younger attendees also will be able to make gifts for their moms, just in time for Mothers Day on May 13.
It should be a beautiful weekend, Martin said. Weve had our fingers crossed, because you just never know if the weather will hold out. But were expecting it to be a great weekend, and invite everyone in the community and surrounding area to come and join us!
The show itself runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 5 and May 6 at the Bowen Arts Center at 334 Hwy. 9 N., next to the Dawson County Middle School. Ample parking will be available at the middle school. Parking and event entry are free.
For more information, you may contact the Arts Council at 706-216-ARTS (2787).