Art in the Square offers amazing collage of art, music, food
By Faye Reeder
APRIL 16, 2016 09:05 PM
Opening Friday in Southlake, the 17th edition of Art in the Square will have an outstanding collection of must-haves in art, music, food, and fun. It is the main economic engine of the Southlake Women’s Club as they fund more than 30 local charities by presenting a well-edited assortment of top-notch visual and performing artists in a 2 1/2 day festival.
The festival is a great destination for both browsers and collectors, and shoppers can also experience a tremendous lineup of musicians and performing artists, choose their dining preference, see friends and enjoy the atmosphere at Southlake Town Square.
A jury committee has chosen 150 artists whose work in dozens of media will be on display in the Artists Plaza at the event. Don’t miss seeing the work of this year’s People’s Choice award, Gregory Strachov of Floral City, Fla. Strachov’s paintings are hanging in private collections all over the world. Before you go, it may be smart to preview the work of 13 other featured artists at the event’s website to help you decide on your acquisitions. Or just be spontaneous and pick what strikes your fancy on the spot.
“Art in the Square continues to elevate the quality and popularity of the festival. We were named 12th in Art Fair Sourcebook’s ‘Elite 20’ list for fine arts festivals in the country,” said festival chair Kris Nelson. “We had 841 artist applicants this year for our 150 spots. We are beyond proud of what our Southlake Women’s Club has accomplished.”
Friday’s headliner on the Sabre Main Stage is the Walton Stout Band, and Saturday night’s headliner is country rocker Dallas Smith, who will take the stage at 8:30. Local performers will entertain throughout the festival on the Gazebo stage.
If festivals give you an appetite, no problem at Art in the Square. A dozen or so food vendors will have all sorts of offerings in the La Bistro area. Quench your thirst at the King & Queen Pub or the Cadillac Ranch Geer Garden. Food truck alley will have a cadre of trucks serving up your favorites.
Brings the kids to play in Kids Korner, where hands-on art experiences await them, or they can get physical in The Zone on a rock climbing wall, zip line, and inflatables. Club President Sarah Close said: “This year we will be helping 30 wonderful local nonprofits. We’re very blessed to combine art, culture, community, and charity in this way.”Festival hours: 4 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free at Southlake Town Square. Details: www.ArtintheSquare.com.