Artsplosure: 29th Annual Spring Arts Festival May 17-18

Each spring, on the third weekend of May, artists, craftsmen, and musicians amass downtown in Moore Square for Artsplosure’s Annual Spring Festival. In recent years, crowds of approximately 70,000 people have swarmed the streets to celebrate the season and the creative talent on display. The entire event is free to the public, courtesy of Artsplosure, a non-profit corporation that also produces First Night Raleigh.

At the very core of the festival is The Art Market, a series of tented vendor spaces showcasing 170 artists and craftspeople from across the nation. Whether browsing or buying, visitors should have plenty to peruse with multiple mediums represented, including photography, ceramics, metals, painting, wood, fibers, and jewelry. Aside from being a great method for artists to gain exposure and sell their work, 6 cash prizes are offered for Best in Show, Judges’ Choice, two Merit Awards, and two Honorable Mentions.

Students from Wake Co. High Schools and Middle Schools will represent the next generation of artists with a juried Student Art Exhibition displayed at Marbles Kids Museum. Also, in keeping with the spirit of art for all ages, there will be a section outside called Kidsplosure, featuring arts and crafts make and take activities and live family-friendly entertainment.

Additionally, Art in the Park will feature art intended not to be bought, just simply enjoyed. Featured here will be a 20’ caterpillar puppet, Polyphemus Plexippus, presented by the Triangle’s very own Paperhand Puppet Intervention, Lou Horton’s Bubble Wands, and a large sand sculpture created by a team dubbed Sandy Feat, led by Ed Moore, architect and sculptor. Wood-carver Paul Rofe invites you to chime in the season on his hand-carved whimsical windchimes and Lyle Estill, scrap-metal sculptor, presents The Moncure Chessworks, a life-size chess board ready to accept the public’s challenge.

If your eyes need a break from the visual spectacle, treat your ears to one of the many great bands scheduled for this year. Two stages, a Main Stage and NC Stage, will be set up in Moore Square and will feature a diverse lineup. So far, these acts have been released:

Jon Faddis Quartet, jazz
Anat Cohen, jazz
Otis Taylor, blues
Janiva Magness,blues
Eric Lindell, blues/ rock
The Old Ceremony, indie
Nathan Asher & the Infantry, indie

Directions and parking information available HERE.

 

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