Tualatin's 2018 ArtSplash Returns In July; Apply Today

TUALATIN, OR — The city's 23rd annual ArtSplash Art Show and Sale may not be until mid-July, but organizers encourage prospective participants to get their applications in as soon as possible. Artists from throughout the Pacific Northwest are encouraged to apply, according to event coordinator Heidi Marx.

The Tualatin Arts Advisory Committee began accepting applications for this year's ArtSplash in December; the event runs July 13 through July 15 at the popular Tualatin Lake at the Commons, 8325 S.W. Nyberg St.

The three-day ArtSplash event reportedly draws more than 3,000 visitors annually. Local musicians, restaurants, and of course art are all showcased through the weekend.

"ArtSplash encourages and promotes Northwest artists," Marx told Patch in an email. "The show gives established and emerging artists an opportunity to interact with the public and showcase their work to a large audience. ArtSplash (also) exposes the community to a wide range of artistic experiences, and endorses interaction between artists and the community."

While the event showcases around 60 artists on average, Marx hopes to see 70 participate this summer.

"When ArtSplash first began 23 years ago there were just a few artists under the main community tent," she said. "The artists were mainly painters that worked in watercolor and acrylic. Today, ArtSplash features over 60 artists in a variety of mediums including painting, jewelry, wood, glass, ceramic, sculpture, and textiles. Artists are not only in the main community tent but we have expanded to allow artists to have their own canopy and display."

Previously, ArtSlpash organizers would take a commission from the art sales made during the event. Now, artists handle their own sales and no commission is taken, Marx said.

"ArtSplash has made a lot of changes in the past few years so this year we are going to build on some of those changes," Marx explained. "We will continue to host free concerts on Friday evening, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. We are also hoping to add some smaller concerts during the day to showcase up and coming local musicians. There will be kids art activities and, of course, lots amazing art to buy."

Proceeds from ArtSplash go to support the public arts in Tualatin, Marx said, noting investments into public sculptures, mosaics, and the Tualatin ArtWalk.

"I think ArtSplash is a wonderful way for the community to come together to support local artists," she said. "It is also a great opportunity for kids to experience different mediums and to interact with artists. For me personally, I really enjoy getting to know the artists and seeing them interact and share ideas with each other."

More information will become available as the event draws nearer, but click here to get your application in now.

For more information, visit the city of Tualatin's 2018 ArtSplash Art Show and Sale at the city's website.

This post was updated with comments from ArtSplash organizer Heidi Marx.

Image via City of Tualatin