Artistry to match the majesty at ‘Art in Kayenta’

Brad Holt of Mission Gallery creates a landscape painting inspired by the majestic scenery at the "Art in Kayenta" festival, Ivins, Utah, Oct. 9, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News

IVINS — Art, food and music lovers will find plenty to please the senses during the annual “Art in Kayenta” festival presented by the Kayenta Arts Foundation.

Now in its 16th year, the juried art festival brings in the best artists in the region as well as local food vendors and performing artists for three days of eye-popping, toe-tapping, taste bud pleasing good times nestled under the majesty of towering crimson cliffs.

Art in Kayenta Festival, Ivins, Utah, Oct. 9, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Art in Kayenta Festival, Ivins, Utah, Oct. 9, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News

“The setting is not like any other festival,” Matt Marten, a director of the Kayenta Arts Foundation, said, “it’s just really beautiful here.”

Complementing nature’s beauty is an eclectic mix of artists who have been selected especially for the festival. Art at the festival ranges from photography, paintings, wood carvings and sculpture to jewelry, pottery, found object art and furniture.

One highlight of the festival is “Art in the Moment” which gives professional artists 90 minutes to complete an original work of art in front of a live audience. Completed works of art will be auctioned off live immediately after the 90 minutes.

“So we’re live auctioning stuff that, the paintings are still wet,” Marten said, “so it is kind of a cool, fun event.”

Art in Kayenta Festival, Ivins, Utah, Oct. 9, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Art in Kayenta Festival, Ivins, Utah, Oct. 9, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News

“Art in the Moment” will take place Saturday at 2 p.m.

In addition to the live auction, the festival has a silent auction that runs throughout the event. Proceeds from the auction will go into the general fund for the Kayenta Arts Foundation, Marten said, which includes money earmarked for the Center for the Arts at Kayenta.

Slated to open in the Fall of 2016, the Center for the Arts at Kayenta is a 10,000 square foot building dedicated to the arts. The facility will include artist studios, a black box theater, rehearsal space, catering space for special events, restroom facilities and more.

Art in Kayenta is bringing back the Beer and Wine Garden which will feature quality beer and wine, Marten said, and is located near the main entertainment stage as well as directly across from where the “Art in the Moment” event will take place.

The Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance is operating a bike valet where patrons of the art festival who ride their bikes to the event can safely park their bike.

“It’s a service to the community and a service to the festival organizers,” bicycle alliance member Dennis Wignall, said. “We encourage participation with everything that is associated with (the alliance) including interfacing with city managers, mayors and other people to improve the cycling experience in and around the Washington County area.”

Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance bike valet offers guests free and secure bike parking at the Art in Kayenta Festival, Ivins, Utah, Oct. 9, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance bike valet offers guests free and secure bike parking at the Art in Kayenta Festival, Ivins, Utah, Oct. 9, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News

A cyclist himself, Marten said they are in favor of patrons riding their bikes to the event.

Food favorites such as Miriam’s Tamales, Roadrunner Pizza, Vilo Vilo Chicken, Pop’s Kettle Corn, Perks! Espresso and Smoothies and Twisted Lemon are also on hand to provide great dining options for guests at the festival.

Art in Kayenta runs Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The weather this year is going to be great,” Marten said.

Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.

Event details

  • What: Art in Kayenta Festival
  • When: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 9-11, Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Kayenta Art Village, 800 Kayenta Pkwy., Ivins
  • Cost: Free, vendors vary
  • Additional information: Ride your bike and take advantage of free bike valet services sponsored by the Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2015, all rights reserved.

 

 

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