St. George Arts Festival opens to enthusiastic locals, intrigued visitors

Photos by Josh Segovia

Written by George Scott

The 36th annual St. George Art Festival is in full swing. Showcasing the art and works from over 110 artists from around the world, there is something for everyone. This year, the festival has moved entirely off Main Street and into the beautiful park setting of Town Square.

The splash pad is open and offers a great place to soak it all up. Kids can play in the water, get their face painted, or create art of their own. One such art project is to color a shirt which the kids get to keep commemorating the event thanks to The DiFiore Center for $5. The Kid’s Creation Station also includes several free events and art projects such as sun visors, egg puppets, pipe cleaner creations, finger puppets, and tongue depressor fun–which many kids were using for building rafts, ships, and boats to float in the river at the park.

There are two stages slated with live music throughout the entire event. Today’s lineup includes: Wooden Tantrum, Katie and the Racoons, DSU Faculty Jazz, Dixie Rebel Band, Mick Jones Tribute, West Coast Jazz, John Houston Choir, Neil Diamond Tribute, Patrick Swansborough, The Five Strings, Red Sand Bluegrass Band, Dixie Arts Conservatory, Deon Mendenhall, Sun River Dancers, Hip-Notics, and Classic Country.

[Read more about the tribute to local jazz musician Mick Jones at The Independent’s preview article.]

In the area between the two performance stages, a diverse array of beautiful and striking art pieces is on display for the more than 30,000 guests that are expected to be in attendance. The diversity of art that is being showcased, representing a wide range of mediums, is spectacular. Paintings, photography, digital art, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, and more can be found in abundance. Best yet, perhaps, is the opportunity to interact with the artists in a casual setting to learn the methods and inspiration used to create the pieces.

On the west end of the event grounds, the food court offers a broad palate of options. Some offerings are works of art themselves. However, another great option is sample the downtown fare in their native locales. While strolling along Main to catch all of the world-class sculptures placed as part of the current Art Around the Corner exhibit, stop into one of the gourmet downtown eating options. Whether choosing One Hot Grill, 25 Main, Twisted Noodle, Riggatti’s Pizza, George’s Corner, or The Painted Pony, the food will be delightful.

Town Square is conveniently located in the heart of Historic St. George at 50 South Main. The festival opens at 10:00 a.m. and goes until 6:00 p.m. The rich art and fun to be experienced at the St. George Art Festival makes it apparent why this is such a successful event at bringing the community and visitors together each year for nearly four decades.