When I was 8 through 12, my parents’ family friends were artists. One artist couple had their own kiln and antique store—I have many good memories of playing carefully in the antique store, looking at old daguerrotypes of babies not realizing they were most likely death-photos, reading yellowed documents and remember making crazy clay figurines that mysteriously never got fired.
Twice a year the street where the artists lived hosted a huge art festival, about 6–8 blocks long of 3 rows of vendors. I absolutely loved the festivals, looked forward to them and was allowed to walk around with just my friend looking at all the arts and crafts created. Looking back, it has had a huge and lasting impact on me.
Yes, I love art festivals and perk up when I see one. If you didn’t know about my childhood, I’d sound totally weird when I say that I get a kind of sense of relief…‘aaahhh….’ when I go to festivals :)
There isn’t one in my town, but a few towns over, yes. Our farmer’s market has a few arts and craft vendors, but it’s not the same vibe. Has anyone ever been to Whitefish, MT’s farmer’s market?? It’s like a weekly art festival!