Bubbles everywhere; New events a hit at the ArtWorks Festival
Published 10:26 am Monday, August 24, 2015
Mary McLaren helps her 3-year-old grandson Beckett McLaren blow bubbles outside the ArtWorks Center as part of the ArtWorks Festival Saturday afternoon. Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Hundreds of bubbles floated north on Main Street Saturday afternoon, aided by the wind as dozens of residents watched and cheered.
Nearby, motorcycles of all kinds were on display as residents gathered for a few Spam treats near the Spamerica truck, provided by Hormel Foods Corp. Only a few blocks east, hundreds of artists and art aficionados gathered at the former Austin Utilities Downtown Plant as part of the Austin Artworks Festival this weekend.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Jennie Knoebel, the executive director for the Austin Area Commission for the Arts, said. “It’s a testament to all the volunteers who make this happen.”
Angela Perry helps her son Ashton Perry, one-and-a-half, load up on bubbles.
More than 6,000 people attended this year’s festival, down slightly from the 6,500 or so people who attended the 2014 festival.
The fourth annual Austin Artworks Festival brought plenty of new artists, new setups and new activities for families, including the first time the city of Austin has tried a “bubble blast” of sorts for residents.
Originally conceived as a Guinness Book of World Records attempt, the bubble blast featured more than 60 residents of all ages blowing bubbles outdoors.
“This is a chance to draw more people to downtown and to do something new as part of the festival,” said Vision 2020 Director of Vision Creation Laura Helle.
Talia Hansel puts mosaic pieces down at the booth of Patrick Hansel, who grew up in Austin. The finished pieces, which the public contributed pieces to, will be put up on a flower basket downtown. Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Many children and adults enjoyed the opportunity to have a little fun, even as the bubbles caught some unaware. Cory Nagle wasn’t expecting so many bubbles to come at him as he walked down Main Street to join with his family at the bubble blast.
“I got destroyed,” he said with a laugh.
Still, he enjoyed the opportunity to bond with his wife, Marisa, and daughter, Marnie.
“Who doesn’t enjoy blowing bubbles?” he said.
J.H. Pettijohn carves wood at his booth of painting and wood sculptures Saturday.
While not everything cooperated with the festival — organizers were forced to cancel the Saturday night Dick Schindler Celebration Concert in the face of severe weather — the event drew thousands with the promise of new authors, new artists, and more musical acts than ever before.
What’s more, the festival made sure to give people a good time. Artists scheduled to perform at the concert instead went to Dusty’s Bar and Lounge, where they played for a smaller audience throughout the night.
Organizers already have next year’s festival in mind. The 2016 Austin Artworks Festival will take place Aug. 27 and 28. While organizers aren’t sure whether the festival will still be at the power plant next year, volunteers are confident next year will bring more events with the community’s support.
“It’s super exciting,” Knoebel said.
Lee Swenson and Janice Cook look through the works of Thomas F. Keller.
