Get Ready to Arty Party!

Unless you've been hiding under your beach umbrella all summer, you probably know by now that is celebrating its 15th anniversary. From the very start of the 2011 summer season, Featherstone has been rolling out after extraordinary in honor of the milestone. This Saturday, the celebrations continue with a birthday Arty Party.

Starting at 3 p.m., the Featherstone campus will open its doors to all who want to come and celebrate art, free of charge. There will be a myriad of activities all centered around Featherstone's mission of building community through art. "We are in an incredible position to open our campus to the whole island to come celebrate with us," said Featherstone Executive Director Ann Smith. "The whole day and night are going to be filled with fun and diverse activities and art all around."

In the main Virginia Besse Gallery, a 15-x-15 art show will feature only pieces of work that measure 15" x 15". "There will be quilts, felted pieces, ceramics, paintings, pieces from all different mediums—all obviously playing on our 15th year anniversary," said Smith.

All of Featherstone's studios will be open with tons of activities and demonstrations "for everyone from three to 103," including en plein air painters, mural painting, weaving, poetry and more. The Children's Studio will be open for such activities as sun printing and story time with Lillian Kellman at 4 p.m.

No birthday party is complete without birthday cake and dancing, and this party is no exception. At 6 p.m., the birthday cake, provided by Cakes by Liz, will be cut and shared with all. And at 6:30 p.m., the Flying Elbows take the stage to kick off a Barn Dance under the tent with caller Kansas Brew leading the way.

The Art Cliff Diner Food Truck will be on hand throughout the party selling all kinds of delicious lunch and dinner treats. "We live our mission to create community through the arts," said Smith. "It's going to be a fun day and a fun evening. It's a party."