Index Art Festival to canvas Doolittle Park

The 13th annual Index Art Festival will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Doolittle Park in Index. The festival has been an attraction for many living in and near the Sky Valley for years.

The annual event is suitable for all ages and a fun way to connect with community and enjoy local art. The small scale allows for attendees to directly connect with the artists and purchase locally made art.

Festival highlights include local musicians, artist booths featuring painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and leatherwork, and there will also be spoken word, poetry readings and children's activities, including art projects and face painting.

The goal of the festival is to encourage the arts and support local artists, as well as to promote the economic development of the area. The festival is surrounded by the breathtaking view of Mount Index and the Cascade Mountains. Bring a blanket or chair to sit back and enjoy.

There will be more than 40 artists showcasing their work alongside visual artists Patrick Woods and Dean Shepard and silversmith Karin Martin.

Poetry readings, along with an open mic time, will begin at 11 a.m. in the gym. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own poetry to share at the festival. There will also be free yoga in the afternoon. Anyone interested in participating should come prepared with a yoga mat.

Live music ' 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.-á ' will feature local artist Sean "Spare RibGÇ¥ Horst and band. Dance music will begin at 6 p.m. Many other musicians and bands will be playing at all times throughout the day. Music is brought to the festival by Paradise Sound, a mountain resort recording studio that calls Index home.

There will be a food and beverage cabana, but alcoholic beverages are not permitted in Doolittle Park, at 503 Avenue A. Pets are allowed at the event, but must be on leash at all times.

For more information on the Index Art Festival, visit www.indexartsfestival.org or call 360-793-4971.