More than 100 plein air artists from across the country are setting up their easels in and around Moab during the Red Rock Arts Festival on October 6-15. Come watch artists while they work outdoors for 10 days, collectively completing roughly 500 paintings.
The artworks — all for sale — will be on display at the Moab Arts and Recreation Center (MARC), 111 E. 100 North, by late afternoon on Friday, Oct. 12.
You can meet all of the artists earlier in the week on Monday, Oct. 8, at a free concert performed by classical guitarist Jack Cimo on the MARC patio during a reception from 5 to 7 p.m.
A traveling outdoor adventure storytelling show will happen at the MARC on Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Angel and Tim Mathis, founders of the “Boldly Went Podcast,” are partnering with Moab Dark Skies for a storytelling event with a “dark skies” theme. It’s an open mic session where people put their name into a hat for a chance to tell their adventure story. Names are drawn at random.
“Each person has 10 minutes to tell their story,” Angel Mathis said. “After 10 minutes, a bell goes off and they wrap it up. It’s so much fun. I love it so much. We’ve met amazing people.”
The couple are both nurses from the Pacific Northwest, who have have hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and traveled throughout Central and South America to learn Spanish. Mathis said they were inspired to create the podcast to hear people’s stories in the communities they visit. They want to hear about other folks’ excursions.
“I’ve discovered sports I didn’t know existed,” Mathis said. “I’ve discovered world-record holders in my own town. We record stories as they’re told at every event. We take all of that content, and break it into themes.”
The Red Rock Arts Festival also features a “Pub Crawl and Sketch Crawl” where participants grab their sketch pads and accompany local artist Katrina Lund as they visit 98 Center, Eddie McStiff’s and World Famous Woody’s Tavern. If you’d like to go on this pub and sketch crawl, meet at the MARC at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10.
The festival culminates with the street fair on Saturday, Oct.13, from noon to 7 p.m. The street fest will take place inside and outside the MARC, at 111 E. 100 North.
Held in conjunction with the Moab ArtWalk, the street fest will include two live music stages, a food court, beer garden and an art market with local and regional artists selling clothing, jewelry, pottery and body care products. There will also be games, crafts and activities for children of all ages.
“The street fest is super fun,” Stewart said. “It’s the only street festival that happens in Moab; it’s an exciting day.”
At 2 p.m., people will meet at the street fair for a “walk and talk” to tour the new ArTTrails installation. New sculptures are to be installed the morning of the street fair, replacing last year’s inaugural ArTTrails exhibit. It’s also a chance to meet the artists.
Artist receptions, storytelling and art market slated during annual fest
When: Saturday, Oct.13, at 2 p.m.
Where: MARC, 111 E. 100 North
Cost: Free
When: Saturday, Oct.13, from noon to 7 p.m.
Where: MARC, 111 E. 100 North
Cost: Free to attend; Prices vary for food service and vendors
When: Friday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m.
Where: MARC, 111 E. 100 North
Cost: Free
When: Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 8 p.m.
Where: Meets at the MARC, 111 E. 100 North
Cost: Free; Prices vary for restaurant food and beverages
When: Tuesday, Oct. 9. Reception begins at 7 p.m.; Storytelling begins at 7:30 p.m.
Where: MARC, 111 E. 100 North
Cost: Free
When: Monday, Oct. 8. Reception begins at 5 p.m.; Concert begins at 6 p.m.
Where: MARC, 111 E. 100 North
Cost: Free
When: Saturday, Oct. 6, through Monday, Oct. 15
Where: Moab Arts and Recreation Center (MARC), 111 E. 100 North
Cost: Free
Information: Call 435-259-6272 or visit www.redrockartsfestival.com for a full calendar of event listings
“The street fest is super fun. It’s the only street festival that happens in Moab; it’s an exciting day.”
