by Lara Dunning
In the Skagit Valley tulips bloom in every color during the Tulip Festival and in Anacortes art blossoms with local artists, fare and entertainment. This year, “Arts in Bloom, An Evening of Color,” by the Anacortes Arts Festival highlights Anacortes artists in all their forms and adds an artistic hue to springtime.
“Art in Bloom” takes place on Saturday, April 5th from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Arts Depot and Community Center during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. The evening will be filled with an array of vibrant and diverse events showcasing the artistic community in Anacortes. During the evening a variety of shows will take place throughout the night. Guests will be dazzled by the fluid movements from the dancers at Fidalgo Dance Works. Melodies from the Anacortes High School Jazz Band will fill the air. ACT Theatre actors and actresses will give an enthralling performance. And, Rich Riddell, Anacortes’s own Town Crier and World Crier Champion, will serenade the crowd with his operatic baritone. While attendee sway, tap and listen A’Town Bistro will delight taste buds with a savory and light dinner with rustic arty flare. Tim Moffitt, A’Town’s Bistro’s mixologist, will serve two tempting “Art of the Cocktail” concoctions, specially made for this event.
In between the performances guests indulge in viewing art from twenty-five Pacific Northwest artists in the “Best of the Fest Fine Art Show,” an officially sponsored Tulip Festival activity. This collection features artwork from fine and booth artists, nine of whom are from Anacortes. The artwork ranges from painting, glass, sculpture, fiber art, jewelry and photographs. If you find that perfect piece, “Art in Bloom” attendees receive 10% off their “Best of the Fest” purchase.
Still craving additional ways add to that personal art collection? Place a bid at the silent “Collector’s Art” auction of pre-owned artwork. Or, at the live auction spice up the year with a one of a kind gift, like a private painting class with local artist Jennifer Bowman, a studio tour and class from master blacksmith Paul Thorne, or a reserved table at the beer garden during the Anacortes Arts Festival. The proceeds all go to the Anacortes School District Arts Program which provides art programs and camps for those budding artists in our midst.
“Art in Bloom, An Evening of Color” has a way of making those artistic colors of springtime seen, tasted and heard. It’s a spring experience you won’t want to miss.
The Depot Arts and Community Center is located at 611 R Avenue. Tickets are $40 per person. Includes: Light dinner, two drink tickets, live auction, “Collector’s Art” silent auction, entertainment and 10% off any purchase from the Best of the Fest Fine Art Show. Tables of 8 are available and include two bottles of wine. Proceeds support youth art through a partnership with the Anacortes School District.
