The metropolitan of Route 66: Flagstaff’s 22nd annual Art in the Park Festival

Photo by Raven Larson

Elegantly crafted beeswax candles, handmade and eco-friendly birdhouses and the intoxicating aroma of homemade orange and apple potpourri filling the air — the Flagstaff Art in the Park festival is the perfect weekend destination for artisans and art lovers alike.

Coordinated by local artist himself, Stuart Wolf, the festival possessed a cultural atmosphere that could not be easily recreated. Whether it be the hand-wrought Kachina dolls or the thoughtfully sculpted Indian jewelry, it is impossible to forget where one is standing and the history the surrounding town of Flagstaff. Art in the Park only aids in that storytelling, and also provides over one hundred artists’ unique artistic perspectives throughout the festival’s three-day duration. Located on the lush, green lawns outside of Wheeler Park, Flagstaff Art in the Park has given numerous artists a chance to showcase their works for all to see.

“All the work you see is made by the people in the booth,” Wolf said. “Lots of times you go to these kind of shows, and there’s important things and the origin is mysterious. Not here.” 

Wolf has met countless artists throughout his twenty-two years coordinating Flagstaff Art in the Park.

Everything Flagstaff Art in the Park has to offer is distinctive and idiosyncratic. Every piece of artwork patrons will come across is one-of-a-kind; a rare characteristic in a society with thousands upon thousands of multimedia sharing sites.

Natalie Reed-Goehl, a local studio ceramist for Muddy Paws Pottery, is another example of a unique artist that participated in the event.

“I really like Japanese work, but at the same time I really try to follow my own aesthetic, and when I sit down and do my work it’s sort of, what I want to do,” Reed-Goehl said.

This idea perfectly captures the individuality of Art in the Park as a whole.

Families also seemed to be a theme amongst the patrons, artists and photographers attending Flagstaff Art in the Park.

“I grew up on the art show circuit as a kid,” said Claudia Jensen, owner of The Rusty Canary, which specializes in handcrafted birdhouses made out of recycled materials.

Jensen is not the only one inspired by her family.

“I had a doll collection when I was little. My dad used to bring me dolls from different countries . . . I always think that must be what started it,” said a doll-maker from Tucson.Gretchen LimaWood.

The family oriented facet of Flagstaff Art in the Park did not reside only with the artists by any means. Several families strolled around the booths and were encouraged to browse at their leisure, eat at the variety of food booths and relax and listen to the free live music.

One could not help but be touched by the way Flagstaff Art in the Park really does bring all sorts of people with various backgrounds together for a three-day weekend full of family, fun and noteworthy creations.

For more information, and the application downloads for interested and aspiring artists, head over to flagstaffartinthepark.com or check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/flagstaffartinthepark.

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