Three blocks of Westhaven Drive will be shut down this weekend for the 21st annual Westport Art Festival.
More than 50 artisans, several food vendors and a varied slate of local musicians will be on hand Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They’ll fill the street from the Tackle Box (Westport’s new event center) to the Fishing Derby booth.
It’s a juried festival, which means the festival committee screens all artists.
“We look for professionalism in booth presentation and ask for a picture of the artist at work,” said committee president Connie Newton.
“We have a lot of new people this year — such a huge crop of new folks,” she added. “One of the standouts is Claudette Moe, who does some wonderful paintings. She’s based in Longview.”
Others she noted are fiber artist Judy Sauer, of Burlington; and Dennis Moore of Northwest Gyotaku, a Gig Harbor-based creator of paintings and “fish rubbings.”
No artist demonstrations are planned this year, but there will be music both days.
Kelly Durham, the festival’s entertainment director, tried to stick mostly with local musicians this year — but she decided she had to include festival favorite Abraham Neuwelt. The Seattle percussionist may be best known for his work on the handpan, a modern type of steel drum.
“He’s been there every year and is just phenomenal,” said Durham, who describes Neuwelt’s music as “otherworldly.”
Also taking the stage both days will be the Lisa Ramsauer Trio, Flashback and the Riverside Garage Band, creating an extremely eclectic mix.
“We’re going to start off soft (with Neuwelt) and work our way up to the more danceable music,” said Durham. “There’s a method to my madness!”
The festival operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Income from the vendor booth fees will help support local and regional artists, and local tourism. A raffle of items donated by local businesses also helps fill the pot.
Last year’s festival raised bout $12,000, representing a solid increase from 2016, according to Newton. She’s hoping for another increase this year.
This event is fully dog-friendly. “Last year, I noticed several of the local businesses even had water dishes out for the dogs,” said Durham.
For more information, visit www.westportartfestival.org.
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Entertainment
Saturday
Abraham Neuwelt, 11 a.m. to noon
Lisa Ramsauer Trio, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Flashback, 2 to 3 p.m.
Riverside Garage Band, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday
Abraham Neuwelt, 10 to 11 a.m.
Lisa Ramsauer Trio, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Flashback, 1 to 2 p.m.
Riverside Garage Band, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
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Food vendors
Bay City Sausage Co. (sausage, turkey legs)
Blackbeard’s Brewery (microbrews)
Ma & Pa’s Kettle Corn
Pussycat Cupcakes
Scotsman Espresso (espresso and Scottish shortbreads)
Top It Waffles
Westport Fire Association (walking tacos)
