Festival adds flair to 4th street

Dawn Adams, a School of Fine Arts alumna, said after her son died, she found solitude in painting water images.

Adams, who will be showcased at the 4th Street Festival this weekend, gathers inspiration from various waterways that surround Bloomington, including; Stillwater Marsh, Griffy Creek and Lake Monroe.

Adams found that water provided her with an abstract surface that is
constantly changing.

“People can look at the work and feel healing and calm. I really feel like that’s a good function for artwork to have,” Adams said.

The volunteers of this year’s festival, which is free and open to the public, aim to create an environment where the community and artists can connect and appreciate the value of artistic expression.

The festival, in its 37th year, will showcase local and national artists who have traveled across the country to participate in what has been voted one of the nation’s top 50 art festivals by Art Fair SourceBook.

Susie Seligman, a local textile artist who has served on the board of the 4th Street Festival for several years, attributes the festival’s success to Bloomington’s community participation and support.

“The community has always been fabulous about the 4th Street Festival,” Seligman said.

With 40,000 people expected to attend this weekend’s festivities, the variety of visitors extends beyond the boundaries of IU students.

“It’s an amazing cross section of people,” Seligman said. “It’s not all about students — old people, young people, families, anybody — it’s an event in town for more than just one particular group.”

With 121 booths displaying fine art and crafts by artists from around the country, Seligman said that 4th Street will be transformed into a “visual smorgasbord.”

In addition to artwork that will be displayed, there will be local bands, a children’s craft center, ethnic food stands and community organization booths.

Junior Amy Gartenberg visited the festival her freshman year and plans to attend
this weekend.

As a college student, Gartenberg sees the festival as a way to explore the different shops in the area and possibly get a good sale on fun costume jewelry.
For those looking for an event off campus,

Gartenberg said going to the 4th Street Festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, is an easy way to get involved in activities happening in Bloomington.

“Anyone can enjoy the festival,” Gartenberg said. “Whether you just like to shop, try different foods, see art — you can walk up and explore anything you’re interested in.”
Many of the artists at the festival have made a career out of their creative talents. Adams said being an artist is central to her lifestyle.

“I need to make stuff,” Adams said between laughs. “It’s really important for me to exercise my creativity and look at things in a different way. We need to look at things differently and not take stuff for granted.”