Shop 220+ booths at this year’s Sidewalk Arts Festival

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

As a retired art teacher in Brookings, Karen Kinder has put a renewed focus on her own artwork.

And for the past several years, that has meant rising before the sun on a September Saturday to travel to Sioux Falls, where she joins hundreds of other artists at the region’s finest event featuring art, folk art and craft artisans.

“It’s an early day – we’re there by 5 a.m. – but it’s a great day,” she said. “Last year was just tremendous. It was the best year we’ve ever had.”

Kinder specializes in oil on canvas that reflects her upbringing on the western edge of prairie hills in northeast South Dakota.

While she has long since left the farm, it hasn’t left her and is reflected in the landscapes and livestock woven through her work.

“My favorite subject is sheep and cows and hay bales,” she said. “I’ve got some sunsets, and I just finished a painting with a lovely twilight sky and cows in a field and grass in front. I definitely get inspiration from the real landscape, and often it’s things we see along the road. Of course, the back roads are more fun.”

This year, Karen Kinder Art will join more than 220 other vendors for the 59th annual Sidewalk Arts Festival. It runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10.

“Sidewalk Arts Festival has an incredible variety of vendors – from fine artists who practice photography, painting, pottery and jewelry-making to craft vendors and food trucks to nonprofit organizations,” said Chelsea Cronin, director of development for the Washington Pavilion.

“Our festival vendors apply to participate with us, and a jury reviews all of the applications. Our art and craft vendors must make their products by hand, which gives our festival a special focus.”

The festival grows every year, and this year is bringing “an incredible number of new vendors,” Cronin continued. “We pride ourselves on being highly organized and providing a great experience for our guests and vendors alike. So many of our festival vendors come back each year, and we’re always thrilled to have them.”

For Kinder, it’s a day filled with talking to old friends, previous customers and often future ones.

“I’m exhausted after, but it’s wonderful talking to people all day,” she said. “And while last year was fabulous, the best ever, you don’t always make the sales on that day. People will take a card, and I’ll get a call later, and sometimes I even get a commission that comes in later.”

In addition to shopping, guests at the Sidewalk Arts Festival will find great entertainment, food trucks, a Children’s Studio with activities for kids and the chance to win great prizes at the Washington Pavilion information booth at the corner of 11th Street and Main Avenue.

“Sidewalk Arts Festival is one of the largest fundraisers for the Washington Pavilion, helping to support our mission of delivering memorable experiences that entertain, educate and enrich,” Cronin added.

“What we have here at the Washington Pavilion is special, as we are one of only four facilities in the country to combine performing arts, visual arts, a science museum and education under one roof. Our fundraisers help to make all of that possible! We are fortunate to have a large number of local businesses supporting the event through sponsorship, and you’ll see many of them at the festival.”

Plus, the Sidewalk Arts Festival is an ideal place to jump-start your holiday shopping.

“Washington Pavilion memberships make a great gift for the holidays, and we’ll have specials at the festival,” Cronin said.

There also is still room for more artists, vendors and sponsors! If you’re interested, click here for applications.

And, there’s always a need for volunteers. If your group is looking to give back and have a great time, reach the event’s volunteer coordinator by calling 605-731-2375.

To learn more about the entire festival, click here.

‘Hairspray’ rescheduled

How about a little bonus Broadway to take you from summer into fall? The rescheduled performances of “Hairspray” are Sept. 15 and 16.

The classic Tony award-winning musical follows 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to make her way onto TV’s most popular show.

This all-new touring production features the beloved score of hit songs, including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”

Click here to reserve your seats!