The Shack Art Center’s Fresh Paint Festival for Working Artists takes place August 20-21 in front of the Shack Art Center in downtown Everett.
“We strive to make it an immersive experience for all attendees,” said Carol Thomas, Director of Progress and Development at the Shack Art Center. “You can buy artwork and participate in creating your own artwork.”
More than 110 artists are participating, of which 40% are new artists, Thomas said. She said most of the artists accepted into Fresh Paint have experience participating in other art shows.
“It gives them a lot of exposure to people who really want to buy art,” Thomas said, adding that it’s one way the festival supports artists.
Artists will exhibit their work in booths on Hoyt Avenue and Hewitt Avenue in front of the Shack Art Center.
Arlington-based artist Hayley Starr stepped into the Shaq Art Center for creative help when she started making art.
After 5 years of developing silver and enamel jewelry, in 2021 it turned into a full-time business known as Wanderling Creations.
“Actually, I go with no expectations. I show up and do my best,” Starr said. She likes seeing other creatives and what they bring to the festival.
“My bodies and works are mostly made in kilns,” Starr said. “I have loved making jewelry since I was a child.”
The 2022 festival will see her participate in a juried art show for the first time.
Marysville painter Rod Sylvester of Fresh Paint says: He creates oil paintings with palette knives. He paints plein air, and parks are a common theme. “The Green Lake is one of my favorite scenes of him.”
He attended Fresh Paint in 2020, but due to the pandemic, the festival was canceled that year. He has been accepted again in 2021.
Sylvester spends his weekends working on 8×6 inch miniature paintings.
“It’s smaller and you can see results faster,” he said.
Thomas gave some highlights from Fresh Paint. Artist Yuming Zhu will be holding a giant ink demonstration on August 20th from noon to 2pm. The festival features 10 decorated and glowing ‘art cars’.
Artist Shannon Danks creates community mosaics and Paws with Cause creates pet portraits. Festival attendees will help paint the Fresh Paint canvas for the duration of the festival.
“We just have a lot going on,” Thomas said, adding that Coco Jones will be deejaying the event and plenty of food trucks will be available.
Previously, Fresh Paint was held at Everett Marina. My plans have changed this year. Festivaling at Hoyt and Hewitt makes it easier to access the Schack Art Center.
“Overall, having it in front of the building is very beneficial for the shack,” says Thomas.
The Float Search, which was previously held on Pier Island, will change in 2022. Instead, you’ll need weeks of challenges to enter the float draw. Participants take a photo of themselves in front of Everett and Snohomish County public his art and submit the photo to #floatfind2022 and #GACNW2022.
Thomas said organizers felt it wasn’t fair to participants because a fee had recently been set to take the ferry to Pier Island, limiting boat capacity.
“This allows us to be more inclusive, and that’s our goal,” says Thomas.
The Fresh Paint Festival for Working Artists will be held on August 20th from 10am to 5pm and on August 21st from 10am to 4pm. -paint.
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