While we were visting family a few weeks ago, we happened to be staying in Park City on the last day of the annual Kimball Arts Festival. Dave sweetly offered to hang in the room with the napping boys while I took an “inspiration walk” through the festival. I love the creative spirit of arts festivals. I always come away feeling refreshed and renewed by people doing what they love, and being successful. This festival set on Historic Main Street in the mountains of Park City really can’t be beat.
We were also in town last year during this same festival and here I shared some of my favorites. In fact, that small boat painting, which I gave my honorary Best of Show, was Dave’s surprise anniversary gift to me last year, and now hangs in my home. Needless to say, I’m a festival fan.
This year, there were a lot of new artists, or at least new-to-me. Here’s a little glimpse of some of my favorite parts and pieces:
Being alone for two hours, surrounded by creative people and beautiful things. That was a much-needed break.
The giant, whimiscal animals by Fredrick Prescott made every passerby smile. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have one of these in the back yard?
Jim Rosenau of This Into That does some pretty clever and fun things with old books. The key hooks on the title “10 Days to a Successful Memory” hit home. Hilarious.
These intensive magazine collages took me back to my collage phase, but Richard Curtner takes them to a whole new level. Each piece was thematic and really amazing.
Who doesn’t love popcorn? And with awesome gourmet flavors like White Pepper Parmesan and Rosemary Truffle, these Pop Art snacks are easy to fall for. And it doesn’t hurt that the owners Michael and Venessa are super-cool. I’m thinking together with a favorite tv series, this would make a perfect, hip wedding gift.
Carole Wade was one of my very favorite artists last year. Again, I was immediately in love with her pieces. Her subjects are interesting and her colors are so alive. One day I’ll buy a little cow for my kitchen. Isn’t that one on the table just perfect?
I loved the unique stenciled coffee bags by Megan Morgan of Strange Bird Designs. Such cool and different pieces. And she was super nice, too.
Karrie Baldwin Penney‘s oil paintings are serene and so beautiful. I love that most of her work felt familiar to me, because she paints Utah landscape. All so pretty.
I absolutely love these magnetic knife strips by Split River Designs. Maybe a little (a lot) nostalgic, because my grandfather is totally a “knife guy” and he kept his all hung on a magnetic strip above the sink. But these don’t look magnetic. They look like incredible wood sculptures! How cool would it be to have a super long strip custom made and built-in to a kitchen. Bookmarking these for future reference.
And, while I’m talking about wood, this little Noah’s Ark puzzle made by Steve Baldwin of Baldwin Toys blew me away. I mean really? A little rainbow hidden beneath the ship? The animals all fit inside the ark when you replace the lid, and just the giraffe’s heads stick out. Seriously cute. I might need one.
My very favorite handmade pieces this year were these fantastic, modern ceramics by Robert Siegel Handmade. I oohed and ahed as I walked past several times, then finally stopped to pick them up and admire. When I asked to take a couple photos for my blog, he agreed, and even told me to pick out my favorite piece to take home. Really? Okay. I chose a little red cup (that Dave thinks is actually a vase), then had to get one for Dave, too. Then I got a block away and had to go back for two more. I mean, if I’m going to have some, I should just have some, right? I’m already contemplating what more pottery I need…uh oh.
It was especially cool to say hello to my old friend Adam Barker, a truly extraordinary active and scenic photographer. This guy is amazing. Along with traveling the world and capturing rare moments in nature exquisitely, he is a dedicated husband and silly father to three little boys. Talk about living your dream and doing it big.
The idea of living your dream, or dedicating your life to what you really love, is the overarching takeaway for me from art festivals. That life looks so different for each one of us, and I know I’m still in the middle of trying to figure out exactly what it is for me. I do know it involves surrounding myself with beautiful things, sometimes made with my own hands, that energize my spirit. And it definitely involves creating and relishing everyday moments with my little family.
What does living your dream look like? Are you doing it? I’d love to hear.
