When Brandy Bowmaster wanted panniers for her bicycle a few years ago, she decided to create them – out of recycled bike tubes. From there, she began making wallets and bags; she sells them on Etsy, and in local shops, and can hardly keep up with the demand.
“Large tote bags are a new item,” Bowmaster said. “I use different colored zippers and fabrics, so there are lots of colors.”
Bowmaster will be peddling her upcycled functional art at the 24th annual Moab Arts Festival on Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29, at Swanny City Park, 400 N. 100 West. It’s a popular family event with all kinds of artwork, live music, food and drink, children’s activities, and even Shakespearean theater in the park.
More than 100 vendors – 15 percent are Moab artists – will be selling fine art, jewelry, pottery, glasswork, furniture, fiber and textiles and much more. You can visit with the artists while listening to live music throughout the weekend.
“(The Moab Arts Festival) seems really unique for Moab,” Bowmaster said. “People come from all over Utah with really interesting artwork. It’s a really fun event – it’s cool just to be there.”
Potter Mike Hayes, of West Art Pottery, in Coalville, Utah, is returning this year.
“He’s always doing something interesting,” said Susan Baffico, one of the festival organizers.
Metalworker Kevin Sybrowky of Salt Lake City has been coming to the festival for many years. He’s known for his rusted metal sculptures and yard art.
Children will have an opportunity to create their own artwork at the Kids Art Tent, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
For example, Holly Dinsmore of WabiSabi will show kids how to make their own personalized tye-dyed pillowcases. Moab Arts and Recreation Center volunteers will lead children in making “mystical eyes” – also known as “God’s eyes,” using yarn and pipe cleaners. Grand County High School honor society students will help kids make fun capes out of old T-shirts.
Additionally, there will be puppets, hula hoops and bubbles to keep kids entertained; and a magic show on Saturday at 11 a.m., with magician Rick Boretti. Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo will offer free pony rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., also on Saturday.
“Last year, some kids spent the entire day (at the tent) – it was so much fun,” said Baffico, who is coordinating the kids tent, along with Jodi Salazar.
The Salt Lake City-based Grassroots Shakespeare Company will perform “Twelfth Night” and “Antony and Cleopatra,” on Saturday and Sunday, at 4 p.m.
“They bring their own stage and costumes, and perform for free,” Baffico said. “It’s impromptu Shakespeare.”
A variety of food vendors, such as Moab Grill, Twisted Dragon Concessions, Sweetwater Gypsies, Yia Yia’s Greek Food and the Quesadilla Mobilla will be at the event. There will also be various snack foods for sale, such as ice cream and corn on the cob.
The beer and wine garden will feature beer from the local Moab Brewery, and wine from Castle Creek Winery in Moab.
24th Annual Moab Arts Festival features artwork, live music, food and more
“People come from all over Utah with really interesting artwork. It’s a really fun event – it’s cool just to be there.”
When: Saturday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Swanny City Park, 400 N. 100 West
Cost: Free admission
Information: moabartsfestival.org; 435-259-2742
To see a full schedule of events, including performances by local and regional musicians, visit: www.moabartsfestival.org, where you can download the festival’s 2016 newspaper.
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