Artpark introduces 'Fairy House Festival'

Tickets on sale now for new family event

Artpark has planted the seeds for a new family festival. The "Fairy House Festival" will be held from noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 5. This unique, outdoor, family-friendly festival features an afternoon in scenic Artpark and is filled with creative art activities, storytelling, games, a "Magical Maze" to wander through, a book signing by children's book author Tracy Kane, and a "Fairy House" tour throughout the woods and gardens of the park.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased in advance for $5 at www.artpark.net or by calling 754-4375. Tickets will be available at the event for $6.

The "Fairy House Festival" is inspired by Kane's "Fairy House" children's book series. She will be present to chat with fans and sign her books. There will be a colorful variety of art activities to "make and take," including fairy wings and crowns, fairy catchers and "toad abodes" for the garden.

Children will enjoy dressing up like wizards, knights and fairies at the costume closet or participate in storytelling by the river or watching a performance by Lewiston Dance. Families can wander through the "Magical Maze" presented by Faery's Nursery, and show their own fairy style with "Pixie Painting."

The "Fairy House" tour lets festivalgoers explore Artpark's gardens and trails to discover more than 200 fairy house creations made by local schools, scout groups and families. A special exhibit of more than 30 artist-designed houses will also be on display. Families will have the chance to collect natural materials and build their own fairy house on-site.

Fairy houses are small structures built from sticks, dry grasses, leaves, pinecones and other naturally found materials. The simple challenge of creating a fairy house connects children with nature and encourages respect for the environment.

D'Avolio Olive Oils & Vinegars, Gorge Travel, the Lewiston Community Lions Club, the Lewiston Insurance Agency, Artzee and Faery's Nursery sponsor Artpark's new "Fairy House Festival". "Fairy House" tour sponsors include Angel to Apple and Lewiston Fine Antiques.

Artpark's "Fairy House Festival" takes place rain or shine at Artpark's Lower Park (South Fourth Street) entrance. To purchase advance tickets for the event, or for information, call 754-4375 or 1-888-223-6000 or visit www.artpark.net.

Click here for a list of participants

Click here for tips on building a fairy house

Click here for more on Artpark's summer season