Celebrating

Celebrating 50 Years ofArt!

The 50th annual Brookings Summer Arts Festival will return to Pioneer Park on Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11. Longtime volunteer committee member Shari Avery says the event has evolved over the years, but continues to elevate the creativity of artists from all walks of life.

The Brookings Summer Arts Festival started in 1971 with just 15 artists displaying their work on card tables in the park. Brookings embraced it and hosted other events to accompany it, such as dances, a dog show, and rock, antique, and coin shows held elsewhere in town.

“We’re not only celebrating the 50th anniversary – we’re all just celebrating that we are here and happy to be coming together again safely,” Avery said.

This year, over 200 artists will showcase 15 art disciplines, including painting, sketching, photography, metalwork, woodwork, and jewelry. Each artist featured at the Brookings Summer Arts Festival must be present, which gives attendees the chance to make a connection.

There will also be food vendors and various entertainment acts throughout the weekend. Brookings Summer Arts Festival is a family-friendly event, but no pets are allowed in order to keep the park clean and safe.

“The noise of the festival is fun because you hear people laughing and chattering and you hear the music in the background,” Avery said. “There are so many joyful sounds.”

Visit bsaf.com to learn more and view which vendors will be present. You can also find Brookings Summer Arts Festival on Facebook.

2021 50TH ANNIVERSARY