programming, exhibitions, and education in the Visual Arts Center.” Over the last year the Visual Arts Center has brought in some pretty incredible artist exhibits, including Andy Warhol and Ansel Adams. It also continues to provide art classes for children and adults alike. Events like these make it possible to bring great things in to a community like ours, and to grow our art culture on a much larger scale. If you walk away with an empty wallet, you can rest assured that your money went back to a hardworking community of people trying to do the things they love. “It promotes creativity and encourages people to get out there and take risks—weather being a big one!” Mogen chuckles, maybe a bit nervously. One of this year’s art vendors is a family owned-andoperated business out of Hartford, SD, called BeaverBuilt. They mainly manufacture roll-off containers, but their more artistic work includes metal arts from their side business, Metal Junkies, which will be featured at their artist booth. BeaverBuilt’s Stacy Edberg says that the Sidewalk Arts Festival has opened a lot of doors for her and her family. They first participated in SWAF in 2009, and Edberg recalls the long waiting period after applying as a vendor. “I was biting my fingernails waiting! We started applying in January and knew we wouldn’t hear final word until June,” she says with an anxious laugh. A little patience paid off. SWAF was the first arts festival they participated in, and Edberg says she has taken a lot from it. “There’s camaraderie with all the artists. You learn tips from each other; tips on artistic approach, business savvy, and other
places to showcase work.” Edberg also tells us what it’s like on the other side of the booth: “It’s fun to get to see some of the same faces every year, both visitors and other vendors. They come back to your booth and want to see what you have that’s new, so you really have to challenge yourself and make sure you’re putting out new things.” Vendors from all over the United States will be participating in this year’s Sidewalk Arts Festival, with 17 different mediums of artwork, kids’ activities, cool beverages, local food, and live music. This year’s print is a painting by local artist Mary Ellen Connelly. It is a limited edition, though, so you’ll want to be sure to snatch up a copy quickly, before they’re sold out! None of this would be possible without the generosity of sponsors and volunteers. If you’d like to donate your time as a greeter, info person, or face painter, please email volunteerservices@washingtonpavilion.org or call 605-3677397 ext. 2375.
WHEN YOU GO! WHERE: The streets surrounding the Washington Pavilion WHEN: Saturday, September 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more specifics on artists, food and entertainment, go to www.sidewalkarts.org!