Art & Wine Fest a Success

Post date: Jun 11, 2013 2:0:20 AM

More artists, visitors made Art & Wine Fest a success

By RICK BROWN, Hub Staff Writer | Posted: Monday, June 10, 2013 2:15 pm http://kearneyhub.com

JOHNSON LAKE — Even rain can be a blessing. “The weather cooperated perfectly,” said Patti Johnson, event organizer of Art & Wine Festival

Saturday at Johnson Lake. “The light rain kept people off the lake, and the lack of wind made it a perfect day to attend the festival.”

More than 1,500 people flocked to the tent set up in Lakeview Acres Park at the lake.

Jessica Stratton showed her artwork during the festival. Although she didn’t make many sales, she said the exposure helps as the UNK student begins her career, plus the event was the opportunity to rub shoulders with other artists. “This is actually my second year at the Art & Wine Festival,” Stratton said. “I’m more prepared this year. I have several larger pieces. This has been excellent. I’ve had a chance to meet other artists and share experiences with them. I’m only 18, and some of them have been doing this for years and years.”

Johnson said the festival raised twice as much money as last year. “We brought in about $12,000,” she said. “I’m guessing word of mouth made a big difference this year.” Proceeds help fund the lake’s EMS services and the hike-bike trail. Johnson recorded people from 60 communities in Nebraska as well as residents from 16 states. A bigger tent accommodated more artists and patrons. “It’s the people that make this event successful,” Johnson said. “It’s the people who put this together, the people who come to enjoy the fun — they make this festival successful.” Another sign of success came at the end of the day when Johnson said a double rainbow appeared in the sky.

“Last year we were flying by the seat of our pants,” she said. “This year we have the organization, the volunteers and things are much better. We’re tweaking it, making the whole event better. We received lots of good suggestions last year.” With the end of the festival, Johnson said planning has started for next year’s event.