ArtFest in Browne’s Addition promises to inspire
Artists, musicians and a slew of food trucks gathered Friday to kick off the 34th ArtFest in Browne’s Addition.
The annual event drew over 150 regional artists who work in a variety of mediums.
One Dream Design’s Adam and Huong Rubinstein are first-timers at ArtFest.
They both create “functional” ceramics that include sinks, soap dispensers, bowls and vases.
“I create whatever comes out of my mind,” said Huong Rubinstein.
Her husband, Adam Rubinstein, used to be a medical illustrator. The artists met in front of a giant realistic heart sculpture that he designed and the rest is history, according to the couple.
“It turned out that this was more lucrative than making giant beating hearts,” said Adam Rubinstein.
The couple does one or two shows a month and are based out of Palm Springs, Calif.
Painter Maia Leisz has come back to ArtFest after a few years’ absence. She paints her vibrant landscapes with just two brushes.
Leisz was destined to be an artist when her parents named her after one of Pablo Picasso’s daughters, said her husband, Charles Phillips.
Phillips is a photographer, and the couple collaborate when Leisz produces pictures that form the basis for her paintings.
Leisz, Phillips and their two children live in the Idaho Panhandle.
Kids 12 and under can create art in the “Make it Art” space.
Adults can enjoy the beer garden with beer from No-Li Brewery and local wines.
Music begins at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday with genres from funk to folk.
Musicians include Fat Lady and Milonga on Saturday. Sunday begins with Ukulele with Bailey from Music Plus Learning Center, followed by Big Red Barn and others Sunday.
With the Greater Spokane Food Truck Association as an event sponsor, food trucks abound.
Vendors include Mangia wood fired pizza, 3 Ninjas and Old Fashioned Kettle Corn.
The food trucks are located in a row near the “Make it Art” section of the festival.
ArtFest is presented by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) and is Spokane’s largest juried art fair.