2018 Canton Festival Of The Arts: Here's What You Need To Know

CANTON, GA — Organizers are putting the final touches on this weekend's Canton Festival of the Arts, which will bring a splash of color and creativity to Brown Park. This year's festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20 at the park at 270 E. Marietta Street.

The popular festival includes the juried Artist's Market, the Serenity Garden, live entertainment, a kids area and a food court. It's organized by the Cherokee County Arts Council, a nonprofit that works to enrich the community through various arts programs. The festival, now in its 15th year, is the flagship fundraiser for the Council, which manages the Cherokee Arts Center.

The Artist's Market will be the centerpiece of the festival, showcasing more than 50 local and national artists. Visitors will find handcrafted works of art that include paintings, jewelry, pottery, woodworking, glass, sculptures, textiles at a variety of price points and styles for purchase. All artists will be onsite to share inspiring stories, and some will even demonstrate their craft.

Back by popular demand is the Serenity Garden, which celebrates the art of living well. Guests will find farm-like items, plants, jams, jellies, soaps and lotions. This area is designed to honor the art of gardening and healthy living.

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The Jack Fincher Rising Artist Market provides new artists with a platform to showcase their works of art. Students from throughout the county are invited to participate and sell their art in this special area dedicated to emerging artists. Participating include Cherokee, Creekview, River Ridge, Woodstock and Etowah high schools.

Your little ones won't be left out of the fun at the festival. The Kid's Zone will offer plenty of free make-and-take art stations and activities designed for the little ones. Young festival attendees will not want to miss the opportunity to bounce and slide in the inflatable area (available for a small fee).

Of course you can't roam the festival on an empty stomach. With food trucks and local restaurants, the Food Court rounds out the festival experience. Attendees can enjoy the sounds of singers and songwriters performing on the nearby stage. Beer, wine and beverages will also be available.

On-street parking will be available around the park and in the Cherokee County Justice Center parking deck. It's free to attend the festival, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per adult or $10 per family. For more information, visit the Canton Festival of the Arts website and Facebook page.

Images via Cherokee Arts Center/Launch Atlanta