Billed as an "art lover's paradise" by festival organizers, Art on the Greene Art Festival has been bringing a top-quality art show to the Arlington Entertainment District each spring for the last six years. One aspect that sets the show apart from other art festivals, according to festival founder Steve Moya, is the distraction-free nature of the event that allows guests to really spend quality time looking at art and getting to know the artists.
"We don't have a ton of carnival rides or other things going on that take away from the event's focus, which is art and music," Steve explains. "There's plenty of room and opportunity to stroll around at your leisure and in comfort while you take a good look at the wonderful art that's available for purchase."
We think that sounds like a pretty nice way to spend an afternoon -and if it does to you, too, here are some other facts that the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau has compiled about Arlington's largest arts festival:
One: It's free!
There's no charge to come to Art on the Greene, enjoy the park, stroll around looking at the art or attend any of the concerts, including each night's headline act. However, do bring cash or plastic in case you'd like to purchase a hot, handmade cheeseburger, a cold drink and some art work to wash 'em down with.
Two: It's happening Memorial Day Weekend.
After spring-in-Texas weather mayhem interfered with everyone's fun one too many years, festival organizers moved the event from March to Memorial Day Weekend-and so far, they have plans to stay there a while (the Rangers' home game schedule permitting, of course.) Says Steve Moya: "We like the excitement that's added by making it part of the Memorial Weekend or late May lineup of events and activities, as well as the idea Arlington families can make going to the festival a permanent part of their Memorial Day tradition."
Three: There's a lot of art going on…
Like the name suggests, this festival is packed from top to bottom with art in a range of mediums-in fact, more 75 artists are expected to showcase their wares at this year's festival, with many of them returning from previous years' events. You never know, this just may be the weekend when you FINALLY find that just-right piece of art to pull your entryway together, or a fantastic piece of jewelry that's perfect for your next special occasion.
Art on the Greene categories for 2017 include: ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, sculpture and wood.
Four: There are tons of other cool things to do and see nearby.
The festival's venue, Richard Greene Linear Park, is one of the prettiest green spaces in town, with lots of great views of Globe Life Park and the Arlington Entertainment District. You can bring a blanket and enjoy some festival grub along the banks of Johnson Creek, check out the park's stunning Caleum Moor sculpture garden or public art installations, or head out before or after the event for a nearby activity, such as: a behind-the-scenes tour ofGlobe Life Park or AT&T Stadium, shopping at Lincoln Square, a visit to the International Bowling Museum or a blockbuster flick at Studio Movie Grill.
Five: Love live music? You're in luck.
There's nothing like some groovy tunes to soundtrack your art shopping! Not only will live music play all day long during Art on the Greene, there's also a fabulous show planned for each evening/late afternoon-and best of all, each concert is free!
Friday, beginning at 4 p.m: Johnny D and the Cadillacs (blues, rockabilly, classic rock); Wow U2 (a tribute to U2); Rock and Roll Over (a tribute to KISS).
Saturday, beginning at 2 p.m: Even It Up (a tribute to Heart); Forever Mac (a tribute to Fleetwood Mac); Cool As Ice (a tribute to Foreigner); INTXS (a tribute to INXS).
Sunday at 3 p.m: Aurora Bleu (Vintage Americana -jazz, blues, swing).
Six: You might want to arrive hungry.
When you're ready to re-fuel, you'll have plenty of tasty choices, including burgers from Grease Monkey, kettle corn, Cajun fare (including fried gator!), gyros, candied apples and other sweets, and much more.
Seven: Art on the Greene has a cool backstory.
Art on the Greene was born six years ago when founder Steve Moya, an artist himself, was on his way back from an arts festival in another part of the country. "My wife and I are both Arlington natives, and we got to talking about how we wished that our hometown had its own arts festival," he recalls. "We also talked about how I had driven by Richard Greene Park before and thought about what a great venue it would make for an arts event. "
The more they got to talking about it, the more they got into a "let's do it ourselves" mode. "I went to the Parks and Recreation Department and began talking about what needed to happen in order to pull it off," Steve says. "Six months later, we had a festival, and we've been going strong ever since!"
Headed to Art on the Greene? These tips will help you make the most out of your visit:
- Parking is free in Lot J at Globe Life Park, right next to the festival venue
- Plan to spend some time at the event if you're interested in buying art. It will take a while for you to visit all of the artists' booths.
- Strollers and well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome. Please be prepared to clean up after your pet.
- Wear comfortable shoes and attire that's suitable for the temperature outdoors.
- Bring cash or plastic if you want to purchase food, beverages or art. (Note: No outside food or drink is permitted on site. ATMs are available.)
- Bring lawn chairs or blankets for the concerts or picnicking.
Art on the Greene, Entertainment District
Arts & Culture, Entertainment, News