The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival to celebrate 10th Anniversary with three-day event

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, this fabulous fine arts event is being expanded to three days this year – “First Look Friday”, April 10 from 11 am – 6 pm, Saturday, April 11 from 10 am – 6 pm, and Sunday, April 12 from 10 am – 5 pm. Come and discover why The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is ranked the #1 fine arts festival in Texas and #3 in the country by Art Fair SourceBook.

See The Woodlands Waterway transformed into an outdoor gallery, with over 200 artists displaying their original works along The Waterway and in Town Green Park in The Woodlands Town Center. The award-winning art represents a wide array of mediums including painting, drawing, jewelry, clay, wood, metal, fiber, glass, pottery and mixed media. In addition to an incredible selection of fine art for purchase, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival offers three days of fun for the entire family, featuring children’s activities at Artopoly, live music, food and culinary exhibitions, plus community art projects that encourage everyone to find their ‘inner artist.’

“We are looking forward to sharing the beauty and wonder of the visual and performing arts with thousands of guests during our three-day 10th Anniversary festival,” said Jenny Wright, Festival Director. “Proceeds from the festival benefit the community and education outreach programs of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council, producer of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. The Council’s mission is to provide regional cultural and educational enrichment opportunities that encourage, support and promote the performing and visual arts.”

More than a dozen local and regional musical artists will perform on four stages during the festival, ranging from masterful Texas singers and songwriters like Grady Gaines and the Texas Upsetters, Seth Walker, Mingo Fishtrap and the Terri Hendrix Band, to talented students from the Real Life Real Music program, The Woodlands High School, The Woodlands College Park High School and The John Cooper School.

If your kids love creating their own art – from Native American dream catchers to whimsical egg carton fairy crowns – don’t miss the fun at Artopoly, led by The Woodlands Children’ Museum. Featured performers at Artopoly include percussion artist Dan Egger-Belandria and The John Cooper School Aerial Silks. Kids ages 4-13 can also start their own art collection for only $5 at the Early Inspiration Gallery.

All guests at the festival have the opportunity to add their personal flair to this year’s Community Service Project benefiting Meals on Wheels. Together with artists from The Woodlands Art League, guests can help paint feathers for a whimsical bird sculpture inspired by the work of this year’s featured artist, Sean Brown. Don’t forget to stop by The Market to buy t-shirts, hats, totes, posters and more featuring Sean’s whimsical jewelry designs.

After creating their own work of art, guests can enjoy an impressive selection of food and beverages from popular eateries throughout the festival grounds. At The Art of Food Tent in Town Green Park, you can watch local chefs from Woodlands’ area restaurants and eateries prepare their favorite recipes and demonstrate their culinary skills. There’s something delicious around every corner, plus a tempting selection of wines and craft beers to quench your thirst.

There’s even a venue on the festival grounds for those who don’t want to miss The Master’s! At The Master’s Tent you can take a break from buying art and follow the art of golf at its best on the widescreen. Pull up a comfortable chair and enjoy the action from Augusta National.

The three-day festival kicks off with a unique event, the Art Dash Party on Friday, April 10 beginning at 6:30 pm at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. In addition to feasting on a delectable collection of small plates from Chef Daniel Yates, Art Dash party guests may purchase a ticket to participate in the 60-Second Art Dash, a fast-paced race to choose your favorite piece of art from among hundreds donated by Festival VIP Artists. You can also enjoy mingling with the artists and participating in live and ‘Art Board’ auctions.

Tickets for The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival are $10 on Friday, $12 on the weekend and $15 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets to the Art Dash Party are $125 each, and tickets to participate in the 60-Second Art Dash are $150 each. To purchase tickets and for more information about the festival, visit the website provided below.

www.woodlandsartsfestival.com.