By Jesse Kline, Intern
Every year, hundreds of people gather to see the wide array of crafts of local artists, hear the music of local bands, and enjoy the short window of good summer weather at the Index Arts Festival. This year, the festival celebrates its tenth year in Doolittle Park in Index on Aug. 3.
The festival is expected to bring in about 500 people to enjoy the local art and local food. Parking and admission are free, and the artists' work is available to purchase. All the money gathered at the event will be used to fund art classes for children in local schools.
The festival is set to be so packed this year that new booth space will have to be allocated, a first in the festival's history.
Judy Davis, the festival's director, wants the effort to go towards inspiring and funding the next generation of artists. In addition to stimulating the local economy, the festival also promotes the artists in attendance.
According to Davis, more than 50 artists will be in attendance to show off their handcrafted jewelry, decorative crafts, pottery, and artistic talents in both music and poetry. Local poets and bands, such as the bluegrass act Sean "Spare RibGÇ¥ Horst, will be performing all day long. Poets will have their own designated time to perform their pieces, with opportunities for open mic readings, as well.
Among the many artists who will be showing off their work is the highly-acclaimed Janet Hamilton. Janet has won many local awards for her pastel depictions of the Northwest, including the Snohomish County "Artist of the YearGÇ¥ award in 2001 and the Eastside Association of Fine Arts award in 2009.
Her pastels are also featured in galleries in Bellingham, Marysville, Everett, and Seattle.
Also in attendance will be Patrick Woods, known for his surreal acrylic paintings; longtime Index resident Dean Shepherd, and silversmith Karin Martin.
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