In 1999, the desire of six area artists to create a venue to sell their creations became the Ketchum Arts Festival. Celebrating 10 years this summer, the festival maintains its mission to provide the Wood River Valley community with local arts and crafts. It will take place this weekend, July 10-12, in Festival Meadows on Sun Valley Road. Bus service to the event will include a stop at the Sun Valley barn across the street.
The festival will include a range of artists and their wares. Professional and non-professional artists as well as craftspeople will showcase work. The show promotes art produced in Blaine County with a selection of artisans who live in other parts of Idaho, and a few artists from out of state.
"We like to keep the festival as local as possible," said Diane Taylor. "Blaine County artists are not judged, but we do jury out of area Idaho artists."
Most of the local artists are current Wood River Valley residents and a few are former Ketchum Arts Festival participants who have moved from the valley but who return for the festival. Steering committee members said artists tell them every year that the festival is their favorite show on the circuit because everyone—artists and shoppers—has a good time.
"We do not make a profit," Taylor said. "We had to increase prices this year, but we did have more locals submit than we thought. We do this as a community service—a labor of love."
The show includes free live music all day every day, including the Kim Stocking Band, Bruce Innes and the Boulder Brothers. A special kids' show from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in the tent will feature the antics of Varda and Dr. Heart's puppets. Food and drinks will be available and include selections from Rasberrys and Calle 75 Tacos.
"Many artists are doing lots of interesting things," Taylor said. "We always make sure there are items for under $5, and I know there are well over 100 participants and some people are sharing booths and some people have double booths."
The festival will take place Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details call 725-4090 or e-mail ketchum_arts_festival@yahoo.com.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
See the flags of Sally Kerns at the Ketchum Arts Festival, which celebrates 10 years and includes a variety of valley artists and craftspeople. Photo by Willy Cook
