The 13th annual Oro Valley Fine Art and Jazz Festival Arts In The Park is upon us. This year the festival is happening Saturday, April 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Cañada del Oro Riverfront Park on Lambert Lane (off of north Oracle Road) and admission is free. Ty Bowers, communications specialist for the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) promises that this event will be "the biggest arts show in the Northwest part of Tucson's valley."
At press time, 75 artists had confirmed their participation and Bowers expects that number to rise. Phoenix-based artist Maryann Hamel participated in the event last year and says that there was a good turnout. "The alliance did a great job of making sure there was quality art," commented Hamel. Hamel's metal works will be featured at the festival again this year, along with artwork ranging from two to three dimensions, including ceramic and fiber arts, mixed media, glass, jewelry, sculpture, photography, and painting. The fine art component of this festival is also a juried show; artists will be awarded prizes in 6 categories with the Best of Show being the major award.
The jazz component of the event will feature local musicians Mark Willis, Scott Black (of the Blue Note Combo), and Moisés Paiweonsky (Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Arizona) on Saturday. Homero Céron, leader of local musical ensemble Cool Breeze, is the featured artist on Sunday. "This is the first year that we've gone with a music theme and incorporated jazz in this way," explains Bowers.
Festival goers will also be treated to gourmet food and drinks, and children's art activities will be held for younger attendees. The SAACA is also providing opportunities to volunteer for this and other upcoming events.
For more information on volunteering contact Pat Deely at 797-3959 x9 or visit SouthernAzFestivals.org.
At press time, 75 artists had confirmed their participation and Bowers expects that number to rise. Phoenix-based artist Maryann Hamel participated in the event last year and says that there was a good turnout. "The alliance did a great job of making sure there was quality art," commented Hamel. Hamel's metal works will be featured at the festival again this year, along with artwork ranging from two to three dimensions, including ceramic and fiber arts, mixed media, glass, jewelry, sculpture, photography, and painting. The fine art component of this festival is also a juried show; artists will be awarded prizes in 6 categories with the Best of Show being the major award.
The jazz component of the event will feature local musicians Mark Willis, Scott Black (of the Blue Note Combo), and Moisés Paiweonsky (Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Arizona) on Saturday. Homero Céron, leader of local musical ensemble Cool Breeze, is the featured artist on Sunday. "This is the first year that we've gone with a music theme and incorporated jazz in this way," explains Bowers.
Festival goers will also be treated to gourmet food and drinks, and children's art activities will be held for younger attendees. The SAACA is also providing opportunities to volunteer for this and other upcoming events.
For more information on volunteering contact Pat Deely at 797-3959 x9 or visit SouthernAzFestivals.org.
