| Historic Helper Main Street was full of people during the 2002 Arts Festival. Each year the festival seems to get better and this year will be no exception. |
Organizers of the 9th Annual Helper Arts Festival have been busy meeting the past three weeks making plans for the August 15-17 celebration.
The festival kicks off Friday, August 15 with an afternoon and evening of music as well as art vendors.
To date 22 artists have committed to returning to Helper for the annual event showing their original artwork and handcrafted arts. Musical groups for both Friday, Saturday and Sunday are being finalized at this time. Musicians from throughout the region will perform a variety of country, pop, jazz, and poetry readings.
Mark Stuckenschneider is chairman of the event for the second year and this year he is assisted by Sherill Shaw, a local artist and librarian. Kathy Hanna Smith is coordinating the fund raising efforts.
One of the fastest growing events is the Plein Air competition which is set for Friday evening. Last year over 50 artists joined forces and painted an original piece of Helper or the surrounding area. This year the event is being coordinated by Kathleen Royster, local Helper artist.
The children’s art will return to the festival this year, as well as a variety of new events and offerings. One of the events expected this year will be a performance at the new Rio Theatre.