Membership News
50th Anniversary Festival Best Ever
Our 50-year Festival celebrations were a huge success! Not only did the Festival vastly expand activities in 2011, but in this tough economical environment, we had our largest total income ever! This was due to increased Booth Artisan revenues, sponsorship income, and a substantial member grant. Of course, great weather always helps!
We hope you made it to the Fine Art Show "Then/Now" in the Port and saw the many artists at work on the way: the demonstrating artists, the plein aire painters, the steam roller print making project, and Joel Brock painting the 2011 mural (funded with Art Dash proceeds).
The pre-festival Art Dash had its greatest turnout ever with even more money for art. All Art Dash money goes to public art purchases.
The Main Stage entertainment helped the Beer Garden volunteers sell more beer than ever. An energetic "Paper Boys" concert was held in the Port before the Art Show volunteers began the tedious job of readying the Port to hang the show that featured artists from our permanent collection.
Our thanks to members, volunteers, sponsors, vendors and the entire community for the enthusiastic support! What a 50th!
Best of the Fest winner
Marc Knowles with Lara Knowles
and Tracy Anderson of Wells Fargo Bank
was awarded $2,000 for his unique fused glass pieces.
"He has taken fused glass a step beyond,"
said one the jurors.
Members Make Great Volunteers
Volunteers bring the Festival to life. Volunteers contributed over 1600 hrs of help in many areas this year.
Member Carol Masters was been selected as the Volunteer of the Year for her extensive contributions to the art show setup, Docent scheduling and onsite training.
2011 Grants
What do we do with extra revenues? The Festival gave $25,000 in 2011 for the following projects:
- $1,000 ACT's Class Act Program
- $1,500 stage for Anacortes Farmers Market
- $2,500 Help Anacortes Sister Cities bring Romanian dancers
- $3,000 ASD band marimbas purchase
- $5,750 cultural presentations in the schools
- $1,000 replace steel channel track for stage
- $2,300 Boys and Girls club art program
- $5,150 MoNA Link arts program for students
- $500 The Skagit Symphony for performers at How It Works
- $2,300 Steamroller Block printing steam roller rental and supplies
AAF plans to help fund numerous arts programs in 2012. We will advise you after the giving decisions have been made in May.
Festival Member Art Tour
The upcoming November 4 Member Tour to MoNA to see "The First 30 Years: MoNA Collects" is timed to contrast to our own permanent collection showing at this year's Festival.
MoNA will honor the 220 artists who have donated art to their collection. Guy Anderson, Lanny Bergner and Philip McCracken have pieces in both AAF and MoNA collections.
AAF and MoNA docent Sherry Barber will lead our tour. We will meet at MoNA at 10:45 AM
121 So. First St., La Conner. Please call 360-293-6211 for more information.
- $5 regular admission
- $4 senior admission
- MoNA members free
Steam roller artists lifting off a print
Steam Roller Prints for Sale
We are happy to announce that prints of the images created by various artists at the 2011 Arts Festival Steam Roller project are now available in our office on a first come, first serve basis.
Prices: $250 each for 38"x50" or 50"x38" and $150 each for 50"x18"
There are only two prints of each of the 10 images available and some have already sold, so please contact our office asap if you wish to purchase one or more of them: 360-293-6211 or view the Experience Art page.
'Moon Dance' by Janet Laurel, 50"x38" print
Artgate
Did you notice the banner at the Art Show? Each of 13 local fabric artists created a square for this unique entry to the Fine Art Show. Our thanks to:
Ann Dunn, Andi Shannon, Anita Luvera Mayer, Faye Canfield, Barbara Eades, Jerlyn Caba, Jo Bailey-Vartanian, Linden Ellingson, Marty Tottenham, Anne Brooks Middleton, Sandi Vadset, Maggie Wilder, and Janet Foster.