Outdoor Fine Art Gallery, Live Music, Food & Fun Draw Near–Record Crowds to The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- After a year of social isolation, thousands of art lovers anxious to mingle with artists and reconnect with friends in the community turned out for one of the most popular events in The Woodlands – The 2021 Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. Held April 10 & 11 on The Waterway and in Town Green Park, the festival featured an outdoor gallery of 186 juried fine artists displaying their original works of art, ranging from painting and drawing to ceramics; fiber, leather, glass and woodworks; jewelry and photography.

The Art Dash & VIP Preview Party held April 9 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott was also attended by hundreds of artists and patrons, who purchased tickets for the opportunity to dash for a one-of-a-kind piece of art donated by festival artists. A live auction, featuring Special Guest Auctioneer Nelda Luce Blair was another highlight of this elegant and eagerly awaited event. The Art Dash is a major fundraiser with proceeds going towards art scholarships for talented high school art students. To date, The Woodlands Arts Council has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships.

Dr. Maria Holmes, Chair of The Woodlands Arts Council Board, producers of the festival, was thrilled with the turnout and positive vibes expressed by artists, sponsors and festival-goers alike. “In addition to an incredible variety of fine art, live music in a selection of popular genres, children’s arts activities hosted by The Woodlands Children’s Museum and more made the festival a delight for all ages,” Dr. Holmes said. “The glorious weekend weather was just the icing on the cake.

“Our special thanks go out to all of our sponsors, board members, artists, volunteers and especially our staff lead by Executive Director Jenny Carattini-Wright, for their dedication in bringing the 2021 Festival back to an in-person event with COVID safeguards in place,” she continued. “Our staff had only a few months to make the decision to go LIVE and to coordinate every detail after having pivoted to a virtual festival last year.”

All festival proceeds go towards educational outreach programs. Major sponsors of the festival include The Woodlands Township, The Howard Hughes Corporation, Stella Artois, The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy, and The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center.

Like all non-profits during this challenging time, donations and sponsorships are needed to continue The Arts Council’s events and community programs. To join Friends of the Arts Council or make an individual donation, visit the website at www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/getinvolved/friends-of-the-council.