Hundreds turn out for annual Madera County ArtsFest
Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune
Jessica McMullen, left, Linda Perez, and Erick Ramirez create chalk art drawings during Artsfest last weekend at the Madera County Office of Education.
Hundreds of Valley residents showed up for the fifth annual Madera County ArtsFest on Saturday, May 12. Madera County Schools Foundation and the office of the Madera County Superintendent of Schools played hosts for the free, family-friendly event promoting art in Madera County.
ArtsFest was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the office of Madera County Superintendent of Schools.
“ArtsFest is a great way for families to enjoy the day and celebrate art,” said Dr. Cecilia Massetti, Madera County Superintendent of Schools. “We are excited to see families return year after year for the fun activities for kids, live music, art demonstrators, snow cones and popcorn.”
The event had hands-on art booths, live bands, live art demonstrators, face painting, opportunity drawings, free snow cones and popcorn. Elizabeth Castro and Steve Carney demonstrated their art.
The band Mistery, Minarets High School Show Band, and Galaxy Dance Academy Ballet Folklorico performed on the outdoor stage throughout the day. The Howard Jazz Band, a Minarets High School singer-songwriter, Chawanakee Academy Guitar Ensemble, and students from Washington Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and Madera High Schools performed on the indoor stage in the art gallery.
Children decorated flower pots and bags, painted rocks and necklaces, drew chalk murals and swirled pool paintings.
The event was held in conjunction with a student art gallery. More than 270 students from 22 schools in Madera County participated in an art contest this spring. Artwork from students in kindergarten through high school were displayed in the student art gallery at ArtsFest.
“Each year the students amaze us with their talents,” said Massetti. “The art gallery was a great way to showcase their exceptional work.”
Students competed in separate divisions: K-3rd grades, 4th-6th grades, 7th-8th grades, and 9th-12th grades. They were also judged in separate categories: 2-dimensional art, 3-dimentional art and still photography.
“We are already looking forward to next year’s event,” said Massetti.
The Home Depot donated to this year’s event and Educational Employees Credit Union sponsored a booth.
