Bellevue Arts Fair 2015 & 2016

Many of you may have thought I did not go to last year's Bellevue Arts Fair, but I did.  It was fun, too.  I did not wind up buying anything, though.  Last year, there was a little bit of rain.  Everyone took cover for awhile.  This year it was scorching hot, for around here, anyway.

Last year, they had a cool sign representing the Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM).  This was shot from the back.

This year, I think I saw the same letters out, and also some things that looked like Willa-Wonka Gobstoppers.  I thought they were kind of cool.  I saw someone else's photo, taken at night, and they looked even better.

Last year, there was a fun playhouse made for children by Chris Axling.  It was really creative.  To see more of this playhouse, and the artist's work, click here.

Every year, they have chalk for kids (and adults) to draw on the brick sidewalk.

They seemed to have more color options last year, than they did this year.  I did this last year.  I was influenced by Luna, from Sailor Moon and Calvin and Hobbes, which I was watching/reading at the time.

They had an area to weave some various colors of yarn/fabric into a collaborative piece last year.  I did mine after this photo.  They had some different activities for kids this year.  I didn't really pay attention, though.

After several hours of walking around, I found a beautiful coaster I just had to have.  I have been needing some coasters, and this fit purr-fectly with the rest of my cat related items on my lamp table.  The artist is Mary Gibbs, and this coaster piece is called, "Izzy In the Sun," named after her personal cat, which she painted in watercolor.  I just love it.  See more of her artwork here.

There were so many great artist's work to see both years, it was just so awesome.  Over 300 artists to look at.  It makes a long day.  The Bellevue Art Museum is free to the public during the fair.  This year, it had some amazing fashion Celebrating 50 Years of the Ebony Fashion Show.  I would have loved to taken some photos, but photos were not permitted (even though I saw some people taking some anyway).  Out of respect for the artists and their artwork, I do not take photos unless permitted.  You can view some of the garments here, but they are even better in person.

Some other artist's work that stood out this year were:

Doug Brannan - Doug's Refried Robots Fun, quirky robots, made from recycled material.

Amy Flynn - Fobots Also, some really fun, quirky robots, made from found objects.

Doug Roy - Paper Carvings Fascinating, eccentrically detailed work.

Desarae Lee She has a really nice cross-hatching style.

Hayley Nolte and Scot Ray - Folk Art - Recycled metal made into mirror frames.

Kate Beck - Wearable Art, very beautiful.

Richard McCullum - White Forest Spoons Very unique, wooden utensils that are also useful!

There were many other great works, but way too many to name.  You just have to go and check for yourself.

The BAM Arts Fair and Bellevue Festival of the Arts runs July 29-31 2016, so if you missed it, you still have till tomorrow at 6PM.  They also have food booths and bands that play live music.  There is much to see, so go early, if you can.  Have fun!