The Garford Arts Fest, celebrating the arts in the community, was held August 10 at the East Falls Riverwalk on Kerstetter Way in Elyria.
The street and a connecting alley were filled with art of all kinds as well as many different vendors, food trucks and a stage with a live band.
According to Steve Riggle, a founding member of the event, this is the first year that the Garford Arts Fest is back “in full swing”.
Aside from the many vendors and food trucks, the organization partnered with Foundry Kitchen and Bar in Elyria to create a beer garden where guests over 21 could enjoy a drink and admire artwork in the alley.
“A lot has changed,” Riggle said.
“We really felt like people were ready to do something like this again.”
To bring art closer to the community, organizers wanted to take an interactive approach to the artistic activities, said Andrea Repko, a founding member of the arts festival.
The Elyria Arts Council, a major partner of the event, offered live mural painting and hands-on experiences including bracelet making, spin art creation and henna tattooing, among others.
“There is just a lot going on this year that hasn’t happened in previous years, and that’s exactly what we wanted to make our core business.”
The artists and artwork featured at the art festival are predominantly from Lorain County, although surrounding counties are also represented.
Riggle said the event is a place for people who feel like they don’t belong to find a sense of community.
“We want to find ways to include them,” he said.
“Many people who might not otherwise get involved in something like this can find a way to belong here.”
Garford Arts Fest was launched in 2018 and while the original vision of bringing the community together through art has remained the same, the event itself has grown and continues to grow, according to Riggle.
Repko said the event would not have been possible without the support of the community as well as partners such as the Elyria Police Department, Foundry Kitchen and Bar, Elyria Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Elyria.
The Elyria Arts Council has sponsored the event from its inception and continues to provide support throughout the year.
“You have played a key role in making this happen,” Repko said.
“I am just incredibly proud of what we can achieve with all our partners.”
According to Repko, the Garford Arts Fest has received positive feedback from both visitors and artists for providing them with space to showcase their creations.
“This stuff touches my heart,” she said.
“We offer these artists an opportunity to make a name for themselves and show the world their talent.”
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