For the 41st year, local artisans, performers and festival goers will gather at Sweetheart Circle on the Georgia Southern campus in a fun, colorful, paint-splattered celebration of all things art. Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Department’s ArtsFest returns on Saturday, April 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
While the festival has gone off without a hitch for 40 successful years, it hasn’t always been the same ArtsFest we’ve grown to know and love today. The event began as a community outreach effort by Georgia Southern’s Arts Department. Its purpose was to unite the college’s students and educators with Bulloch County youth over something everyone has in common—a sense of creativity.
When Georgia Southern announced they would no longer be hosting the event in 2016, Bulloch County’s Parks and Recreation Department stepped in. They recognized the value of the event and the sense of togetherness it brought to the entire community. The department took over as host and continued Sweetheart Circle’s legacy as the original site of ArtsFest. Now, families and children return to the event year after year, passing on their love of the arts for generations to come.
“ArtsFest is an incredible opportunity for our community to visit Georgia Southern’s beautiful Sweetheart Circle and just relax and have fun,” says Kimberly Sharpe, the events and communications coordinator for Bulloch County Recreation & Parks. “The event is perfect for families of all shapes and sizes. It allows everyone an opportunity to create lasting memories with their family and friends.”
The festival promises to cater to all ages, as in years past, with activities ranging from make-your-own art to tie-dye to shopping to live entertainment. Don’t skip out on the “Art Stops,” miniature creation stations that will be scattered throughout the park. You’ll be able to take home anything you make during the festival as a memento of your time. It’s a perfect way to break up a day of shopping and eating and a reminder of the creativity that lives in all of us!
Plan to spend some time hanging around the Community Stage, where local performers and musicians will deliver musical sets, high-energy dances and even magic shows. Then, browse gifts and collectibles like art prints made by artists across the region, handmade jewelry, crochet goods and decorative candles at the Artist Market. And, of course, a delicious lineup of food and beverages will be available all day long, serving Southern fare, lighter bites and sweet treats.
For an event map, a complete list of vendors and Art Stops, or to sign up as a vendor, visit the festival website here. Mark your calendars and plan to enjoy a day of art in the park this spring!
