The one word that might describe this year’s Waterfront Art Festival in Mukilteo is hip.
Organizer Christine Awad Schmalz said her focus this year for the festival was on youth — emerging young artists and edgier pieces.
Yet with 50 artists overall showing their creations, contemporary and traditional works will both be represented, she said.
“Even the drawings and animation, the art is different when you are young,” Awad Schmalz said. “You paint differently because your work is coming from a younger perspective. It’s more contemporary, more cutting edge, more urban.”
About 50 artists booths will line the walkway near the new Mukilteo Lighthouse Park on Saturday, displaying paintings, jewelry, pottery, wearable art, sculpture, mixed media and hand-blown glass, along with beads and gemstones, photography and floral art.
Awad Schmalz, who is also president of the Mukilteo Arts Guild, said she encouraged young emerging artists in their 20s and 30s from throughout the greater Puget Sound region to showcase their work.
Vendor booth fees go to support the Arts Guild Senior Scholarship Fund.
Because the focus is on youth this year, there will also be many hands-on activities at the children’s pavilion.
Among the offerings, Awad Schmalz will teach cartooning and animation to children all day, free of charge. Kids can also participate in a sidewalk chalk mural and get their faces painted.
Food vendors such as Diamond Knot Brewery and Ivar’s will have booths.
The first 1,000 visitors to the festival will receive gift bags that include coupons and other prizes. There is also a pet booth this year, Awad Schmalz said.
“I really think people should come and support the kids who are selling their work,” she said. “It’s a day at the park and people can bring their dogs, have a picnic there and enjoy the art.”
Waterfront Art Festival is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at Lighthouse Park, 609 Front St., Mukilteo.
Admission is free and there’s free parking at various locations.
Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
