Thousands of art enthusiasts turned out for the first-ever Garden of the Gods Art Festival over the weekend.
The event, held at the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, drew nearly 4,000 people on Saturday, according to festival director Liz King.
“We had no idea what to expect, since it was a first-time show,” King said. “But the attendance has been incredible. Colorado Springs really came out for us, which is so exciting.”
More than 120 artists and craftspeople from 13 states showed up for the outdoor festival, offering a seemingly endless array of wares including paintings, photographs, jewelry, birdhouses, pottery and even pens.
“This has been a really great event,” said Ken Lazar, whose shop, Ken’s Pens, offers handmade ball, roller and fountain pens. “I’ve been very impressed with the turnout.”
Shane Porter, an Aurora-based artist, agreed.
“First-time shows can be questionable sometimes, because you can’t know ahead of time how many people will show up,” Porter said. “But this has definitely been worthwhile. The attendance has been great, and the sales — especially Saturday — have been fabulous.”
The festival also featured live music, a beer and wine garden, food trucks, balloon artists, face painters and other activities for kids and adults. Part of the proceeds will be used to support other events at the Rock Ledge Ranch, officials said.
“I could stay here all day,” said festival attendee Lindsay Jones. “It’s more than just the art. The entire atmosphere is so great, and the weather has been almost perfect.”
Abby Roemer, an acrylic artist who primarily works in Colorado and New Mexico, said she was impressed with the enthusiasm of the attendees, as well as the work of her fellow artists.
“I’ve met lots of great folks here, and I love the energy,” Roemer said. “And the quality of the art that I’ve seen, from the other artists, has been really good as well. That’s what makes a great show.”
King said she hopes the Art Festival will be an annual event for Colorado Springs residents — and visitors — to enjoy each spring.
“I hope the people here really embrace this, and make it their own,” she said. “We would love to do it every year.”
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