• Tweet

Planning is underway to create another annual event in downtown Sturgis.  The first annual Hands-On Arts Festival will be June 26 & 27 2010. 

The festival will feature a variety of both visual & performing arts.  Unlike most art festivals, vendors will not be prohibited from working on art...they are encouraged to demonstrate their skills...therefore the name Hands-On.  And unlike many festivals, we will encourage vendors to sell their items to the public on-site.  Dozens of well known regional artist have registered for the show.

Legendary downtown Sturgis will be blocked off from Junction to 4th street.  The festival will take place indoors in several of the empty buildings and on Main Street. 

A full spectrum of artwork will be on display & for sale between 10 am & 7 pm Saturday & 10 am to 5 pm sunday.

There will be a children's area where kids will get instruction & help working on art projects, a sand sculpture area & a children's stage for performances including an opportunity for youngsters to play musci or sing karaoke.

Professional performers include children entertainer Phil Baker, ventriloquism puppeteer Buddy Big Mountain & humor & music with Gordie Pratt.  There will also be old time country music, swing, classic pop rock & more.

The festival kicks off with a Friday night street dance with Judd Hoos presented by the Loud American Roadhouse.  Saturday night D.D. and & the Fayrohs & the Red Willow Band play a reunion concert presented by the Knuckle Saloon.

"This is an excellent opportunity for area people of all ages to get involved in art", according to Michelle Loobey-Gertch, director of the Sturgis Area Chamber of commerce. Sturgis has the infrastructure already in place to stage large events like the Motorcycl, cushman and Mustang Rallies...and we intend on taking advantage of it."

For more information about the Hands-on Arts Festival or to participate, call The Weaver ARt Gallery at 605-720-7972 or go to sturgisartsfestival.com