Aurora's Alley Art Fest showcases 90 local artists Aug. 26
Alley Art Festival will fill downtown Aurora with artists for a 13th year from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 26. The festival will welcome 90 artists this year.
The popular, grass-roots art festival will return to Water Street Mall and Downer Place between Stolp Avenue and Water Street.
"It's exciting to keep this important event going," said Marissa Amoni, one of the event founders. Amoni started the festival in 2010 with artists Jen Byrne, Lisa Gloria, and Nate Miller.
"Over the years, we've seen the event go from 40 to 60 to now 90 artists. It's been incredible to see the growth and support of the arts in our community," she said.
The festival will feature artists and artisans from noon to 5 p.m. following the Aurora Farmers Market across the street at Water Street Square, which runs from 8 a.m. to noon that morning.
The annual festival highlights locally made art, jewelry, pottery, handmade goods, and more. It provides an opportunity to meet and support local artists, Amoni said.
"Alley Art Festival makes art accessible for everyone. It's a fun afternoon filled with art. It's also an opportunity to buy art, get inspired, and connect with the artist community," she added.
Live music kicks off at noon at Mundy Park, next to Water Street Mall, with Huguito Gutierez and Armando Bakle featuring music from Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Argentina. Eastern Fire Belly Dance will perform at 2 p.m. Cat Gaddis Project will perform blues and jazz music at 3 p.m. Bring lawn chairs.
Food vendors will be located on the Downer Place bridge. Some of the vendors include: Chills Italian Ice, Holy Pierogi, Polly Ann Cakes, Sno Cone Sisters, Strawberries BBQ and Tapville Social.
Come early and enjoy Aurora Farmers Market, now in its 111th season, from 8 a.m. until noon in the lot across the street.
Downer Place will be closed to traffic from Water Street to Stolp Avenue
Stop at the info booth for event merch, maps, and details about fun activities and places to shop, dine, and visit in downtown Aurora
There is free and plentiful parking available at city surface lots.
The festival is sponsored by Aurora Downtown and the city of Aurora. For more information, visit alleyartaurora.com.
Follow www.facebook.com/alleyartfest.
Alley Art Festival artists
Acute Dangle, Alice DuBois, All Of My Love Pottery, All the Floof, Amy Vasilopoulos, Anirbas Art, Annie Hex, Anya Alfante/FRV Art Collective, Bast & Baetyl Alchemy, Bo Leaf, c~lyn studio, Calaveras of Chicago, Catalina Diaz, Cheryl Bryson Art, ChickaDee Clays, chodgeart, Christine Benda, Clara Brubaker Illustration, Collinson Fine Art, Cosmic Chive, Crafty Cox, Creative T, Daniel Cordes, Dare to Dream, David Oliphant, Desk Buddy Depot, DreamScapes, Dzhelasi, Elizabeth French, Evelin Zamudio, Faith Mellenthin Pet Artist, Farout Fibers, Finnski Printworks, Fiskcreations, Geli Inks, Good Egg Illustration, Grace Bales Art, HandsomeJimmy/FabSleep, HappyScapes Art, Hemp Club Jewelry + Boho Earth Headbands, Jackie Magana, Jacob Clark, Jacqueline Franco, Janelle Rae Art, Jay Conant, Jeff Busch, K. H. Pendolino — Abstract Art, Kelly McCleary, Kendall Hunt, Kim Sowa Intuitive Artist and Photographer, Kit Hunney, Kittens Of Industry, kryspykitty kreations, Lanita Bonita, Laura Lynne Art LLC, Laura Reyes, Legacy & Lore Toys, Leslie Jenner Handmade, Lone Sage Art, Mabel’s Chainsaw Repair Shop, Maria Aguirre, Mastafran Comics, Meg Schmeg Art, Mibolsa, Momdau Creations LLC, OddSagas, Parlilian Treasures, Paul Demers, Pierre Lucero, Printed Pooch, RangeRomas, Repurposed Julery, Retaggio Artisan Jewelry, Rhiannon Perrin, SAD GIRL, Science Ceramics, Secondhand Nightmares, Sitting Pretty Woman, String of Purls, Teresa Fiehn Millies, The Wood Crafters by Luz & Juan, Uplifter Sticker, Violet Millies, Vivian Mary Co, Wanchay Itmis, Wannabe Lucky, Wheatley Design/Vintage Wit, and Yttzel Galia Serrato.