49th Annual Sun Valley Center Arts & Crafts Festival
The Sun Valley Center for the Arts celebrates its 49th Annual Sun Valley Center Arts & Crafts Festival in August, drawing artists, craftspeople and visitors from around the country. This ever-popular community event will once again be held at Atkinson Park in Ketchum, Friday through Sunday, August 11–13.
Admission is free to this three-day outdoor exhibition of 130 artists whose work includes a wide range of unique handmade fine arts and crafts—from painting, photography, fiber and ceramic, to metal, jewelry and woodwork. Exhibiting artists and craftspeople are selected through a rigorous jury process, ensuring truly exceptional work in all categories. According to Art Fair SourceBook, a comprehensive guide to the top-selling art fairs and craft shows around the country, the Sun Valley Center Arts and Crafts Festival is ranked in the top 100 fine art festivals in the nation.
The Festival gives Wood River Valley residents and visitors the opportunity to interact directly with artists and learn what’s new in the world of arts and crafts—and perhaps even purchase some art.
In addition to the arts and crafts exhibition, the Festival includes Free Artist Demonstrations (1–4pm daily), a Free Kids Activity Area and food vendors.
FREE KIDS ACTIVITY AREA
The Kids Activity Area is open 11am–2pm each day. Children under the age of 8 are welcome with an adult who is ready, able and willing to help them create art. Children ages 8–12 may work alone but cannot leave the craft area unattended.
2017 Kids Activity Area Schedule
Friday, Aug 11: Fish Sculptures
Saturday, Aug 12: String Painting
Sunday, Aug 13: Paper Sun Hats
In addition, kids can take part in the Scavenger Hunt which encourages kids to explore the artists and artwork of the festival – located at the Kids Activity Area as well.
Thanks to generous donors and experienced volunteers, the kids’ activities are free of charge.
FREE DAILY ARTIST DEMONSTRATIONS
Artist demonstrations are scheduled daily from 1-4pm. Each day features a different local artist working on a project for the duration of the demonstration. Attendees of the festival are encouraged to drop in and see what they are making, ask questions about their process and check on their progress throughout the afternoon.
2017 Artist Demonstration Schedule
Friday, Aug 11: Sarah Davies, Abstract Painting
Saturday, Aug 12: Wes Walsworth, Furniture Maker
Sunday, Aug 13: Mark Sheehan, Metalwork
There are numerous opportunities to volunteer at the Arts & Crafts Festival. Volunteers are needed for a wide variety of activities: assisting with setup; registering artists; working at the main festival tent; helping with children’s craft projects; and more. For more information and to apply to be a volunteer, visit The Center’s volunteer page at sunvalleycenter.org or contact Kris Olenick, Volunteer Coordinator, at kolenick@sunvalleycenter.org. Student volunteers are also welcome!
The Festival is held in Atkinson Park, adjacent to Hemingway Elementary School in Ketchum. Guests are reminded that per Atkinson Park rules, no dogs are permitted on the Festival grounds. The Center wishes to thank the Ketchum Parks and Recreation District for use of the park over the weekend.
The 2017 Arts & Crafts Festival is sponsored by Ketchum Parks & Recreation.