CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Artsville Gala kicked off ArtLink’s annual Artsville Fest on Thursday night with live music, food trucks, vendors and a over 55 artists work on display. A speakeasy-style lounge was set up on the side of the ArtLink building, giving the gala a 1920s vibe.
Artsville Fest continues Saturday with a full day of activities on Strawberry Alley and surrounding downtown spaces, featuring live music, interactive art, chalk artists, vendors and large-scale exhibits.
Event organizer and founder of Artlink Maria Haycraft said the goal of Artsville is to create opportunities for local artists to be seen and supported. “It’s definitely an event that is meant to uplift and empower our local creatives in our community,” Haycraft said.
The gala includes a juried art show, where a committee evaluates submissions based on creativity and technique. Winners are recognized at the gala with certificates and awards. The Fan Favorite Award allows attendees to vote for their favorite piece through QR codes displayed with each entry. Each vote helps support ArtLink’s mission, with a portion of proceeds awarded as a cash prize to the winning artist.
Haycraft emphasized that Artsville is open to everyone, from first-time creators to seasoned artists. “We do an open artist call. Anybody can enter, from elementary school to adults, and we have every category here too,” she said. “As soon as you enter, you’re automatically in the show.”
Artsville Festival continues Saturday
Artsville continues Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 116 Strawberry Alley and other downtown locations. It’s a free event with visual and performance art, live music, a Chalk Walk contest, chalk artists and vendors, live large scale art exhibits and intimate interactions with artists, artisans and makers.
| MORE: For more Clarksville things to do, check out the Fall Fun Guide and the Clarksville Events calendar.