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SALT LAKE CITY — The 38th annual Utah Arts Festival wrapped up this weekend. As usual, it was a visual treat for art lovers at Salt Lake City's Washington Square.
Most of the 165 artists who participated in this year’s festival created masterpieces from material that could easily be taken for granted — things like paint, glass, clay and metal.
Glass sculptor Marrusz Rynaiewicz came all the way from Poland to show off and sell some of his work.
“I was introduced to glass about 35 years ago in a trade school in Poland, and after that I figured out I have the skills to make glass,” Rynaiewicz said.
As a side-benefit, the festival also provided a summertime boost to the downtown economy.
“All of a sudden, there's a critical mass of about 80,000 people down in the downtown area. And yeah, they're coming for the festival; but then you're going to have a bit to eat afterwards,” said Lisa Sewell, the festival's executive director.
Dance and musical performances also provided stunning displays of grace and style that also helped bring artists and the general public together.
“The thing I love about the festival is it’s just like a big family reunion,” Sewell said. “And big art — the people that build it — are here every year.”
Contributing: Jordan Ormond
