BY KAREN BOSSICK
It’s called Atkinson’s Park, but sometimes it seems like Ketchum Park should be renamed Microburst Alley. Every summer, it seems like the area is hit by a brief but sudden downpour or storm – and it always happens during the annual Sun Valley Arts and Crafts Festival.
This year, the artists were just about to wrap up the first day of the three-day festival when, just after 5 p.m., a small gust of wind came along, lifting one of the artists’ tents and blowing it onto another tent.
One tent was fine after it was lifted and returned to its place, but Erin Linton’s tent was crushed underneath and some of her framed originals were smashed.
“There was nothing that could be done to save it,” said Ketchum artist Barbara Kline, whose booth was nearby.
Luckily, 20 of the artists and volunteers stayed that night to provide Linton with loaner equipment, and festival promoter Art Daves had the good sense to order pizza to sustain them during their endeavor.
“What could have been my worst day was actually something amazing that showed the power of community and kindness,” Linton said.
One of Linton’s friends has started a Go Fund Me account to raise $2,000 for Linton to replace the tent and pay for some of the damage to her artwork.
“Making a living as an artist is hard enough, but it’s even worse when you lose a large portion of your art in a freak accident,” said Wood River Valley resident Jeff Platt.
Linton runs Orphan Girl Fine Art out of Ashland, Ore. Her artwork is inspired by creatures she sees when she steps out her back door to explore 75 acres of towering pines and firs.
“She is a passionate lover of wildlife, especially birds, and has spent countless hours helping them. She has worked with Badger Run Wildlife and cared for and rehabilitated hundreds of birds,” said Leah Fairbanks.
To donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-erin-linton-after-art-show-accident.
