Barefoot Fine Arts Market Fun, Full of Culture

Duluth’s Town Green was an artistic feast for the eyes and ears during the Barefoot in the Park Fine Arts Market. The eighth annual event showcased visual and performance arts over the May 5-6 weekend and attracted 15,000 visitors to the city.

Sixty juried artists displayed paintings, watercolors, photography, mixed media, ceramics, glass art, sculpture, metal art, jewelry, fiber art, and more under tented booths on the green. Among the unusual items were Dan Finerman’s handcrafted wooden banks made with doors from vintage post office lock boxes.

A variety of performing arts filled the Main Stage and Second Stage on both days. The acts included the Gwinnett Community Band, Southern Ballet Theatre, Stone Mountain Chorus, Metro Jazz Band, Kalaivani Dance and Music Academy, Zephr Instrumental, Gwinnett School of Music, Green Flag Band, Atlanta Harmony Celebration, Actor’s Edge, and the Sax Man.

Other activities included a Children’s Art Park, adult learning classes, student art exhibits, a Book Bistro, wine tasting seminars, and food booths. Among the guest authors was Haywood Smith, the New York Times best-selling author of “The Red Hat Club” and “The Red Hat Club Rides Again.” Smith, who lives in Buford, was signing copies of her latest book “Wife-in-Law” and has another book titled “Out of Warranty” coming in January.

Another highlight was the Pulp Fashion II show featuring paper dresses created by Gwinnett County Public Library staff, artists and volunteers from repurposed books, magazines and newspapers. Thirteen dresses inspired by books were modeled.

Last year’s “Manga Fury” created by the Duluth, Norcross and Lilburn library staff returned for an encore along with a new winged “Words in Flight” entry designed by Stacie Delcambre from the Lilburn library branch and Lorena Gay-Griffin from the Duluth library branch.

About 300 art supporters attended a “Carnivale” Gala Friday evening that featured a preview of the Barefoot in the Park art and a performance by Dance Truck.

Duluth was burgeoning with activity. PURE Taqueria customers celebrated Cinco de Mayo Saturday and Sunday under a tent on Main Street with pork tacos, Margaritas, and beer. Two whole pigs were roasted overnight Friday and Saturday for the taco filling.

The Duluth Farmers Market opened Saturday in the parking lot at Hill Street and Ga. Hwy. 120 (Abbotts Bridge Road). It will continue from 2 to 6 p.m. every Saturday in May.