Exhibitors Report Record Sales!

MUSKEGON, MI – Tens of thousands of Muskegon residents and visitors from all over the U.S. attended the Lakeshore Art Festival in Downtown Muskegon this past weekend. Attendees raved about the variety of the activities and the overall quality of the show. Exhibitors were ecstatic about their exposure and sales! Multiple exhibitors commented that on Saturday they broke their all-time one day record sales.

“The show has grown in so many ways”, says Event Director, Carla Flanders. “We’re thrilled with the response from the exhibitors and guests who have recognized the positive changes, enhanced product quality and overall festive atmosphere. Our show is being recognized on a national scale and exhibitors are coming from across the country to be in the Lakeshore Art Festival!”

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Doyle Borntrager

Over 110 exhibitors in the Fine Art and Fine Craft were juried by professional artist and Grand Valley State Art Professor, Renee Zettle-Sterling. Awards totaling $3,000 were presented to winners. The ‘Best in Show’ award was presented to Doyle Borntrager for his “Knarley Knot” wooden goods, second place was presented to Heather Miles for her abstract paintings, and third place went to Jonathan Kesler for his one-of-a-kind clay stoneware. Honorable Mention was awarded to Emre Tekeli for her hand made jewelry, and Committee’s Choice went to Charity Mendoza for her textured artwork.

(Note: click on Images to view them at larger sizes)

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Airika and Maxwell Kolenda

The public was also invited to chime in and vote for their favorite booth in the People’s Choice Award hosted by the Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce. First place went to Airika and Maxwell Kolenda for their hand made wood and home decor, second place went to Robert Knoll for his unique wooden furniture, and third place went to Dale McClain for his gourmet dip mixes.

 

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TerraLynn Lake’s Drawing

For decades, art has been a driving force in Downtown Muskegon, and Lakeshore Art Festival strives to continue that tradition. This year’s festival welcomed multiple live art experiences. TerraLynn Lake used chalk to create a larger than life replica of Edward Curtis’s Thunderbirds & Whales while Sarah Landstrom painted a vibrant kayak which was then sold at the festival.

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“Color Muskegon”

The Nuveen Center also hosted “Color Muskegon” where 8 large panels were painted by guests during the show and auctioned off during the festival. A few panels are still available for purchase. For more information on purchasing these one-of-a-kind panels contact nuveen@artswhitelake.org or call 231-893-2524.

 

Newest additions to the festival this year were the Wine and Craft Beer Garden and Chalk the Walk. Attendees were able to sip and savor craft beer and wine while browsing the Fine Art in Hackley Park as well as create their own chalk art between the lines of nearly 300 sections of walkway down Western Ave. Chalk the Walk was hosted by Downtown Muskegon Now First Fridays. Both new activities were a huge success!

Lakeshore Art Festival is nationally ranked by Sunshine Artist Magazine 200 Best, and was voted Favorite Small Town Art Fair by artfaircalendar.com. Visit www.lakeshoreartfestival.org for more details.