Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- The 33rd annual Utah Arts Festival kicked off at noon Thursday. The festival's executive director says she and her team have worked hard to make the festival more user-friendly this year.
"You can go check out some art then you can go get a bite to eat. And then you can go listen to some music, catch a movie, catch a short film, maybe go see the exhibition upstairs, and then go see some more artist booths. It's contained enough that it's manageable," explained Lisa Sewell, executive director of the Utah Arts Festival.
Even in this different economy, the artists say they're not worried. They've had success here in the past and they anticipate the same this year.
Thurman Scheumack, of Eugene, Ore., has sold art at this festival on and off for 20 years. "I have had one of my best years ever this year, and I think because there's an appreciation for really quality-made American crafts. People want to support local; there's more of an awareness of that," he said.
One Utah artist who creates multi-dimensional photography says the festival works for her. "I love it here. It's one of my most profitable things I do all summer, so it's really fun," Cat Palmer said.
Speaking of fun, there are more than 100 performing groups over the four day festival. And let's not forget the food: Whether it's sizzling or spicy, lunch or dinner, it's summer in the city at one of the countries longest-running urban arts festivals.
The Utah Arts Festival continues at Library Square through Sunday, everyday from noon to 11 p.m.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
