Minarets students helped entertain the crowd
MADERA COUNTY — Hundreds of Valley residents showed up for the fourth annual Madera County ArtsFest on Saturday, May 13. Madera County Schools Foundation and Madera County Office of Education hosted the free family-friendly event promoting art in Madera County.
ArtsFest was held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Madera County Office of Education.
“This is such a fun day for families to celebrate and create art,” said Dr. Cecilia Massetti, Madera County Superintendent of Schools. “So many children were able to enjoy the free art activities, snow cones and popcorn.”
The event had hands-on art booths, live bands, live art demonstrators, face painting, opportunity drawings, free snow cones and popcorn. Elizabeth Castro and Melissa Novak demonstrated their art.
Minarets High School and Galaxy Dance Academy Ballet Folklorico performed on the outdoor stage throughout the day. Flutes of the Foothills and Minarets singer/songwriters performed on the indoor stage in the art gallery.
Children decorated flower pots and bags, painted rocks and necklaces, drew chalk murals and swirled pool paintings.
The event was held in conjunction with a student art gallery. More than 250 students from 21 schools in Madera County participated in an art contest this spring. Artwork from students in kindergarten through high school were displayed in the student art gallery at ArtsFest.
“We have such amazing and talented young artists in our schools,” said Massetti. “The art gallery was a great way to showcase their work.”
Students competed in separate divisions: K-3rd grade, 4th-6th grade, 7th-8th grade, and 9th-12th grade. They were also judged in separate categories: 2-dimensional art, 3-dimentional art and still photography.
“We look forward to next year’s event,” said Massetti.
The Madera County Arts Council was a partner of this year’s event.
