Art in the Park returns to Ritzville

Community members and visitors are invited to enjoy a weekend of artwork and creativity from local and regional artists at the annual Art in the Park event, May 25 to May 27.

Sponsored by the Boots N’Brushes Western Artists Association, Art in the Park will be held at the Ritzville City Park for the second year.

The three-day event begins on Friday, May 25, from 12-5 p.m. On Saturday, the show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final day of the event will be on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Western Artists Association Member Jim Lisk said this year’s event will be the biggest art show in recent history with vendors utilizing over 350 feet in the park.

Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy artwork from a variety of mediums, including Western painting, wood art, bronze art, jewelry and leatherwork.

Lisk said there are 22 vendors registered for the event, including Deborah Olsen, who will be doing face painting and cotton candy.

This year’s food vendor will be Excellence in Entertainment of Spokane Valley, who will be selling hamburgers and hotdogs by the gazebo.

Lisk said there are several returning vendors who have been showing at the event since it began in 2007. One of the vendors is Gabe Gabel, who will show off her bronze art and color paintings.

Another pair of returning vendors are Lisk and his wife Cheri Lisk who will have Western Humor art and Impressionism paintings.

In addition to the event, there will be an Artist’s Reception on Friday at the park, beginning at 6 p.m.

The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the park gazebo. The Buck Taylor and Boots N’ Brushes Best of Show awards will be distributed.