The Loveland Art Festival: A Growing Tradition

This past Saturday marked the eighth annual Loveland Art Festival, a sale and contest put together by the Whistle Stop Clay Works pottery studio. From eleven in the morning to four in the afternoon, over 55 booths showcased seventy local artists, including some Loveland High School students. Live music by Clark Jenkins and an El Vaquero food truck was also available to all in attendance. Admission itself was free, but artwork and food will be sold at booths and the food truck. With admission, is the opportunity to get a free tote bag with treats inside, but there will be a limited number, so be sure to get there early.

Alongside the sale was a contest, judged by artists from around the tri-county area. With over $1,000 worth of awards, the competition was fierce and the quality of work high. There was also a “People’s Choice” awarded to the art that got the most votes. Ballots for this can be picked up at any booth by anyone and submitted to the booth at the front of the festival grounds. Some of the LHS artists got some form of award.

If you couldn’t make it this year, be sure to at least stop by next year, date and time to be determined. For the past few years, the event has been primarily outside and bordered the railroad tracks. Parking is free in most places downtown. The booths themselves will be arranged in an oval, with a free craft station at the center and the LHS booth just across from it. As for the artists, most have their portfolios showcased on the Loveland Art Festival website, some of which are sponsored, each sponsor listed at the bottom of that same page. It’s a little late to submit anything for the festival, but next year is sure to be bigger and include even more work based on how much the show has grown over the past few years alone. If you are interested in participating in the student booth next year, please contact Ms. Shrout (Art), Mrs. Woodruff (Art), or Ms. Burns (Art). Any other questions about the festival can be answered on the festival website or at (513) 683-2529. A map is also available with a brochure that is handed out with admission.

Overall, the festival offers something for everyone. The venue is always alive with people, music, and nature. On the fringe of downtown, all of the shops will be open once the festival comes to a close, and they shouldn’t be too crowded as early in the evening as four. Whether it’s artisan jewelry, fresh air, or a good time, the Loveland Art Festival is a great way to start an afternoon and support local art.