Art for the Park: Spokane’s CdA Park getting dressed up for the summer

On Saturday, four teams, each headed by a professional artist, will set out to Coeur d’Alene Park in Browne’s Addition to paint the streets red.

And blue, and green, and pink and purple …

The Art for the Park event, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, is part of the 125th anniversary celebration of Coeur d’Alene Park. During the day, teams headed by professional artists will create custom large-scale murals on four intersections around the Browne’s Addition landmark.

Ellen Picken’s “Ribbon” mural, and Tiffany Patterson’s “Moon Bloom” are both geometric designs. Tom Quinn’s proposal is to paint a puddle, with park-goers and sky reflected in it, while Erin Mielcarek will paint a pair of giant fish and a rainbow pattern.

During ArtFest, which takes place in the park June 3-5, festival-goers will be invited to vote for their favorite mural with their dollars. The mural that earns the most money will be named the People’s Choice winner. The winning artist will earn a bit of cash for the victory, and the rest of the money raised will support park improvements. The summer-long celebration will conclude Sept. 10 with Parkfest.

As part of the festivities this weekend, children from the Southwest Community Center will be setting up on the tennis courts offering children’s art activities. There also will be 10 juried vendors selling everything from vintage barware and copper jewelry to soy candles and scarves. A couple of food trucks parked along South Chestnut Street will help folks stave off hunger.

The event goes forward rain or shine on Saturday, as the artists will be able to work under large umbrellas. For more information, visit friendsofcdapark.org.