Get ready to unleash your inner artist and join the vibrant mix of creators and art lovers at this year's Art·Struck Festival in Johnson City. Mark your calendars for a day filled with color, creativity, and community spirit on April 26, simplistically located at The Pavilion at Founders Park. Kicking off at 10 a.m. and bustling until 5 p.m., attendees can look forward to an eclectic array of activities, demos, and performances tailored for whimsy seekers young and old alike.
The festival, orchestrated by the Johnson City Public Art Committee, is a beloved staple, offering a broad palette of experiences. It will feature, art demonstrations and hands-on fun, including kite decorating, expect mask decorating, bucket drumming, and the opportunity for wand aspirants to craft their magic sticks. Food trucks will be stationed, serving up tasty sustenance for festivalgoers, amidst the art and merriment.
Whether you're in the market for unique local art to adorn your walls or just seeking a blast of fresh air and inspiration, Art·Struck has you covered. You can take home a piece—or several—of the action, as dozens of local artists will have their works out for sale. This isn't just a meet-and-greet with art; it's a chance to watch creativity unfurl at the hands of skilled artisans.
This year's festival is dialing up the wow factor with highlights such as a road roller printing press in action, a stiltwalker that will tower above the crowds, and a chalk art competition that will turn the pavement into a canvas of vibrant imagery. As Jocelyn Mathewes, festival chair, put it in her statement obtained by the City of Johnson City, "This is an event that celebrates the talented artists and the vibrant arts community we proudly call home." If that's not enough to get your art sense tingling, picture this: a 3D illusion chalk art installation, tintype portraits for a dash of ol' timey nostalgia, plus aerial acrobatics that promise to defy gravity—and possibly, your expectations.
But wait, there's more fun to be had on this cavalcade of cultural expression. A series of cultural dance performances will grace the venue along with a living statue, silently striking, a giant puppet march, resounding to the beat of a live brass band, and a street art throwdown, where graffiti becomes grandiose before your very eyes.
Circle back for the complete schedule of festival highlights and more information as the Johnson City Public Art Committee unleashes details in the coming weeks. Remember, all activities are free, public, and a feast for the senses, no reservation required. Johnson City is laying out a welcoming mat for all to celebrate artistic expression, and you won't want to miss it. This culturally immersive event is proudly sponsored by Brightspeed Fiber Internet and Jerry's Artarama of Knoxville, as mentioned in the official announcement.
