Artsfest on Walnut Street returns for its 41st year May 7-8. Its theme, Art Unites, celebrates the unity of art, artists and art lovers at the event.
Hosted by the Springfield Regional Arts Council, Artsfest is one of the largest outdoor arts festivals in southwest Missouri. It features more than 90 artists from all over the country, live entertainment and food.
Advanced tickets are currently available for purchase online. Guests can choose from two entry times each day, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 1:30-5. Admission is $5 for adults, while children 5 and under are free.
After years of separation, artists of all kinds are uniting for Artsfest. More than 90 artists will be displaying, selling and competing for awards. Featured mediums include:
- Wood
- Glass
- Clay
- Printmaking
- Jewelry
- Photography
- Metal
- Painting
- Drawing
- Fiber
The Live Art Area will feature 12 artists creating art throughout the festival. Each artist will complete two panels during the festival and Artsfest attendees can vote for their favorite. The top three artists will receive a cash prize. After the festival, the artwork will be on display at The Creamery Arts Center during the month of May, where they can be purchased by the public.
Artsfest will once again feature performances on multiple stages throughout the weekend, including artists such as Shaun Munday, The Bridgetones and Brother Ray and the Sometimes Righteous. Other performers will include Springfield Ballet, Springfield Little Theatre and Princesses of the 417.
Health and safety precautions will still be in place for Artsfest. Vendor booths will be six feet apart, hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the festival and volunteers will be dedicated to cleaning. Masks are not required at the event.
Volunteers are needed for the event and registration is available online. Volunteers who sign up for two or more shifts will receive a free Artsfest 2022 T-shirt.
Artsfest on Walnut Street benefits the Springfield Regional Arts Council, a local arts advocacy nonprofit working to benefit artists and arts education. For more information about Artsfest on Walnut Street, call 417-831-6200 or visit the official Artsfest website.
