Submitted by Kristi Winter
MADERA COUNTY – Hundreds of Valley residents enjoyed attended the first Madera County ArtsFest on Saturday, June 14, at the Madera County Office of Education.
The Madera County Schools Foundation and Madera County Office of Education hosted this free family-friendly event promoting art in Madera County.
“We had a great response from the community,” said Dr. Cecilia Massetti, Madera County Superintendent of Schools. “Children were excited to utilize their art skills at various booths and enjoy the day.”
There was an outdoor stage, hands-on art booths, live art demonstrators, face painting, opportunity drawings, free snow cones and popcorn. Angel Republic, Flutes of the Foothills and Bailables Tradicionales Oaxaqueños performed on the outdoor stage, and Griselda Tello, Michael Garcia and migrant Zapotec demonstrated their art.
Guests were able to enjoy a relaxing lunch from one of several food vendors, including Papa Murphy’s Pizza and Marantha Tacos.
Children decorated flower pots, created collages, painted rocks and necklaces and drew chalk murals.
The event was held in conjunction with a student art gallery. More than 100 students from 14 schools in Madera County participated in an art contest this spring, and artwork from students in kindergarten through high school were displayed in a student art gallery at ArtsFest.
“Many families attended the event to see the wonderful award-winning artwork created by the students of Madera County,” said Dr. Massetti. “The artwork submitted by students from throughout the county was phenomenal and attendees were impressed by the caliber of work put forth by the students.”
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.
The Arts Council was a partner of this year’s event, providing art contest judges, art demonstrators and hands-on booth volunteers.
