Art on the Plaza returns to Ritzville

Historic downtown Ritzville is serving as the host for the annual Art on the Plaza event on May 27-29. Local artists are joining with fellow art masters from throughout the region to put on a high quality event for visitors and residents alike.

Admission is free to the event, and artists will have tents throughout Pioneer Plaza. Many artists will also participate in life demonstrations of their trade.

Art on the Plaza showcases Western art, hand crafts, food, photography, jewelry and metal art. Boots N Brushes Western Artists Association (BNBWAA) sponsors the event.

The show opens at noon on Friday, May 27, and runs until 5 p.m. the same evening. At 6 p.m., all of the artists are invited to attend an Artist’s Reception at the Eagle’s Lodge.

The show reopens on Saturday morning at 10, and artists will remain onsite all day until 5 p.m. The show opens for the final time on Sunday in coordination with the Classics on Main Car Show from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Last year, Rick Urdahl received the Best of Show award, and Jim Lisk earned the People’s Choice award. Both artists are scheduled to return to the show this year.

Another highlighted artist is Gabe Gabel, who won several awards during the previous Ritzville Western Art Show. Gabel is a western artist who creates magnificent bronze sculptures, and also serves as the vice president of BNBWAA.

While the show is open, residents are reminded Washington Street will be closed for the safety of the artists. On Sunday, Main Street from Adams to Division will be closed as well.

The artwork displayed at Art on the Plaza is available for purchase. Residents are also encouraged to browse and discuss the variety of mediums with the artists participating.

This year, three awards will be presented to nominated artists. The awards are People’s Choice, Best of Show and the Buck Taylor award.

Residents are invited to cast a vote for the People’s Choice artist during the show.

For more information on the Art on the Plaza event, visit http://bnbwaa.com.