After a tumultuous year of cancellations and setbacks, ArtWorks Foundation’s annual Art in the Loop festival tested the waters with a scaled-down socially distanced event last October. It was a huge success.
“The artists were ready to sell and the art lovers were ready to buy,” says Greg Belz, ArtWorks Foundation CEO and event organizer. “It was time to take a stand and save art festivals for posterity. We couldn’t stand by and let them just evaporate. People who depend on these festivals for a living shouldn’t be ignored.”
(Photo: Courtesy of ArtWorks Foundation)
The annual festival in April is back, complete with festival fan favorites like felting artist Chris Armstrong from Nashville and local sculpture artist Lester Jones. Food trucks will be on-site, including Cousins Maine Lobster, VooDoo Cafe, MemPops, Eat at Eric’s, and 2 Buck Grilled Cheese. Memphis Dermatology Clinic will offer free skin cancer screenings daily. On Sunday, The Bartlett Community Concert Band will close festivities starting at 2 p.m. with classic favorites.
Meander through the Ridgeway Loop in the open air as regional artists talk to you about their art and provide demonstrations. You will find fine crafts and art made from metal, glass, wood, clay, and fiber, plus jewelry, paintings, photography, and more.
If you can’t partake in the festivities in person, consider doing something sweet for our regional artists by ordering from See’s Candies. Click the Yum Raising fundraising link on ArtWorks Foundation’s Facebook page and a portion of your See’s Candy purchase will benefit the organization that supports the arts.
Art in the Loop, Ridgeway Loop at Briarcrest, Friday-Sunday, Apr. 16, 1-6 p.m., Apr. 17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, Apr. 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free.
