(Left to right: Colette Smith, president, Peninsula Art League, and Ally Bujacich, executive director, PenMet Parks)
The 38th annual Summer Art Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever!
By Jillian Chandler
In an exciting development for the Gig Harbor Peninsula, the Peninsula Art League (PAL) and PenMet Parks have forged a partnership aimed at enhancing recreational and artistic opportunities for the community. This collaboration seeks to blend the beauty of nature with the creativity of art, fostering a vibrant cultural scene while providing enriching experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Ally Bujacich, executive director of PenMet Parks, emphasized the importance of meeting the community's evolving needs by expanding park and recreation offerings, including greater access to art. The alliance with PAL signifies a shared commitment to enriching the lives of residents through art education and engagement.
Peninsula Art League president Colette Smith expressed enthusiasm about partnering with PenMet Parks, recognizing the organization as a vital community asset. “Peninsula Art League is very pleased to collaborate with such a strong community partner to increase opportunities for our community to gather, play and create,” she shares. This collaboration aims to broaden the scope of its art-related activities, offering workshops, events and volunteer opportunities to nurture creativity and foster community connections.
One of the most exciting outcomes of this partnership is the relocation of the annual Summer Art Festival to Sehmel Homestead Park, reflecting the growing scope and popularity of the event. This move to a larger venue enables the festival to accommodate more artists, vendors and attendees, promising an even more vibrant and engaging experience for all.
Scheduled for 10am to 6pm Saturday, July 20, and 10am to 5pm Sunday, July 21, the festival will feature more than 100 artists (featuring paintings, woodwork, pottery, jewelry, fabrics and more!). Enjoy the best of local beer by Gig Harbor Brewing and 7 Seas Brewing in the festival's beer garden and a variety of food vendors including Kettle Korn, Millville Pizza, BBQ2U, Kona Ice, Pink Gorilla and Harbor Haute Dogs. Live entertainment adds to the festive atmosphere with DJ Ice Mike playing a variety of genres, and young live musicians performing during his breaks. There will be a variety of children’s activities like face painting, chalk art, make and take, and glitter tattoos. With an anticipated attendance surpassing last year's 12,000 visitors, the festival promises to be a highlight of the summer calendar, attracting art enthusiasts and families alike.
The appeal of the Summer Art Festival lies not only in its diverse offerings but also in its role as a unifying force within the community — bringing art to the community and fostering connections among artists and residents. Free to all, the festival serves as a celebration of creativity and community spirit, drawing people together in a shared appreciation of art and culture. Proceeds benefit high school scholarships.
This year's festival will further its impact by partnering with the Kiwanis Club of Gig Harbor to collect non-perishable food donations for local food banks.
The collaboration between PenMet Parks and Peninsula Art League represents a significant step toward enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the Gig Harbor Peninsula. By joining forces, these organizations are poised to create lasting positive impacts, enriching lives through art, recreation and community engagement. Join them for two days of art in the park and be part of this exciting journey!There will be free shuttle service from Gig Harbor High School (5101 Rosedale Street NW) and Franciscan Health Medical Pavilion (6401 Kimball Drive) in Gig Harbor.
To learn more about the festival and Peninsula Art League, visit PeninsulaArtLeague.org. And to learn more about PenMet Parks, visit PenMetParks.org.
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