Cover Story

Art in the Park

by  Wendy Adams

To call Art in the Park an event, would be an understatement; it’s an art lovers dream come true. The 49th Annual Art in the Park festival will be held October 1st and 2nd in beautiful Boulder City, Nevada.

Art in the Park is one of the largest outdoor juried art festivals in the Southwest and this year’s event features more than 320 original artists. The festival is Boulder City Hospital Foundation’s signature fundraising event and proceeds benefit the Boulder City Hospital.

Art and craft lovers can enjoy this event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Boulder City Parks:  Wilbur Square, Bicentennial Park, North Escalante and South Escalante parks. Admission is free, and there is something to do for all ages.

This time honored event had its beginnings in July of 1962 when the Boulder City Hospital Auxiliary organized the first “Art Festival” to raise funds for the new hospital building fund. Today the Hospital continues to meet the changing needs of our community. It is events such as Art in the Park that help the Hospital provide quality health care close to home.

As one of the city’s largest events, Art in the Park wouldn’t be successful without the combined efforts of members of our community. It is the hard work of the Hospital Auxiliary, Hospital staff, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, Boulder City Police and Fire Departments, Boulder City Parks and Recreation and the City of Boulder City, make this festival successful. The hard work pays off Saturday morning when the first visitor steps off the shuttle and opens their eyes to one of the best art shows on the West Coast!

Fine art, traditional art, fine crafts and traditional crafts can all be found at this spectacular event. Watercolor, oil and acrylic painting, woodworking, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry and so much more will be displayed and available for purchase from the artist.

Guests can shop till they drop then gain refreshment at any number of food and beverage booths. A variety of food choices include hot dogs, hamburgers, roasted corn on the cob, barbeque sandwiches, Italian, German, Mexican, Greek, Thai and Chinese fare.  And then the deserts… funnel cakes, kettle corn, roasted nuts, fruity bars, strudel, frozen treats,  candied apples and more. Entertainment for all is a standard at Art in the Park with music provided by Pure Evidence Audio. While relaxing in the shade of the trees in Bicentennial Park, guests may enjoy the stage entertainment from the town’s traditional gazebo.

This year’s Featured Artist is Las Vegas - based painter, Jennifer Main. Main’s unique style is instantly recognizable for her whimsy and fearless use of vibrant colors. “My favorite subjects to paint are characters which I create in my mind,” Main says. “I often use them to express a positive message about an aspect of life’s complex journey.” As a young girl Main discovered she had a strong passion for painting. She began selling her work in galleries at the age of 17 and quickly became one of the top selling artists within the galleries. With growing confidence, hard work, and determination she experienced 13 years as a successful full-time artist. Main’s work is shown in galleries nationally and is available locally at her Las Vegas gallery. Main’s popularity continues to grow worldwide as collectors and fans are drawn to her vibrant art. Her whimsical “Piano Man” is featured on Art in the Park posters, programs, and t-shirts. Be sure to stop by and meet Jennifer Main, at booth #179 in Wilbur Square. She will be happy to autograph a copy; it’s truly a work of art! 

Since the inception of the festival to every talented artist has donated one original piece to the Art in the Park raffle. That tradition continues today, making every raffle prize a “hot treasure!”  Raffle tickets go on sale the week of September 9th at the Boulder City Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shoppe, the Boulder City Hospital Foundation office and at the event. Special ticket sale days will also take place at the Boulder Dam Credit Union. Raffle winners will be notified by phone; prizes can be picked up at the event or at the Boulder City Hospital Foundation office.

Parking is available throughout Boulder City and there is convenient off-site paid parking with free shuttle service to and from the event. Maps and directions are available by visiting www.artinthepark.org.

For more information about Art in the Park or Boulder City Hospital, please contact the Boulder City Hospital Foundation at (702) 293-0214. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s 49th Annual Art in the Park!