Eureka Springs Celebrates the Arts in May

For art lovers, there’s nothing quite like Eureka Springs in May.

The entire month is devoted to the arts. This year’s 29th 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.

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

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

Basin Spring Park is the place to be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. Here, Art in the Park artists offer textiles, jewelry, painting, sculpting, and fine wood designs. They’re also on-hand all day to discuss their process and medium. Many will be creating art on-site as well.  Watch members of the Weavers Guild, the Potters Guild, and the Plein Air Painters as they work in the beautiful park setting. Live music will play all afternoon, including two free performances by saxophonist/flutist Bryan Savage.

Perhaps the most popular event of the month is the White Street Walk, 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. They welcome the public into their homes and studios on this tour to 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.

On the culinary side is “A Taste of Art,” where Eureka Springs’ restaurants 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 the full calendar of events, visit http://www.eurekaspringsfestivalofthearts.com and their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/EurekaSpringsMayFestivaloftheArts.