Weather ideal for ArtFest fun

Last year, ArtFest enthusiasts ran for shelter as rain poured, forcing the early closure of the first day of festivities in Browne’s Addition.

But this year, hundreds milled in Friday’s evening sun as temperatures soared into the 80s for opening day at the 19th annual festival of arts and crafts.

“I was the only one left standing here a year ago today,” said Pam Cossette, who has missed only a few ArtFest celebrations since its inception. “I was dripping wet from head to toe. I think this year is starting out just beautiful.”

The three-day event, which continues today and Sunday, takes place on the grounds of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. This year’s ArtFest features the work of 70 artists from throughout the West, live music and food.

Cossette said she tries to buy something every year. Twenty percent of the artists’ proceeds go to the museum and the Spokane Art School. This year, she bought a handmade leather-bound book from an artist out of Bellingham as a wedding gift for a German friend. She also bought a blown-glass vase from local artist Steve Adams.

“It’s a great opportunity to see a lot of local artists all in one place,” Cossette said.

Adams, from Spokane, agreed.

“This gives me a chance to be out in front of the public,” he said.

Adams said it takes him a week to prepare for the annual event. He hasn’t been to every one, as the featured artists are selected by a juror.

“People don’t realize how much work this is,” he said. Featured works tend to be quite expensive at the show, Adams said, but well worth it.

“There’s stuff here people aren’t going to get anywhere else,” he said.

While there is a beer garden and live music daily for adults, there are also many hands-on arts and crafts booths for children.

Friday evening, Leah Walton, 4, tested her artistic skills at a booth featuring painting. It was her first visit to ArtFest.

She happily painted a self portrait on a big, white piece of paper strung along a fence near the MAC. Walton took her time completing her portrait with braids and bows. A purple butterfly had already been painted on Walton’s right cheek during a previous visit to the face-painting booth.

“I can’t imagine why we haven’t been here before,” said her mother, Carla Walton, while she supervised the busy painter. Her other daughter, Bethany, 6, was busy at another craft station. “Maybe it was the weather.”

While Friday’s weather was ideal, cooler temperatures and a slight chance of rain is expected today and Sunday.

The National Weather Service predicted partly cloudy weather today, with a chance of morning showers, and thunderstorms by the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s are expected.

By Sunday, the temperatures may reach only into the 50s, with a 70 percent chance of rain.