City residents and students alike gathered at Kent’s Fred Fuller Park this weekend to attend the 23rd annual Art in the Park.

Nearly 90 artists displayed and sold their works, ranging from glassware and handcrafted jewelry to a Henna booth new to the festival this year.

“My favorite part is the artwork, I love the beautiful pieces of glasswork,” said Canal Fulton resident Wilma Myers.

Myers has attended the Art in the Park the past three years to see her granddaughter’s table in the “Youth at Art” tent.

Not only did the festival feature a “Youth at Art” tent, but it also had an area for the children called “Surrounded by Art.”

Along with the vendors and tents, demonstrations like glassblowing and attractions such as Custer’s Alpacas were displayed.

One such demonstration is the Society for Creative Anachronism’s Marche of Gwyntarian—an event where one could watch medieval re-creation and re-enactment.

“There are all different kinds of artists … people get to show off what they do,” said Curtis Keith, a member of the SCA, on what Art in the Park offers for attendees.

SCA have participated in the annual festival for at least 15 years, and plan on attending for many years to come.

Art in the Park is an opportunity for local artists to showcase their work.

“These people are professionals not hobbyists,” said Pete Orlando, a Kent Parks and Recreation Board member. “These are good local artists.”

Included in the plethora of locals talent was artwork from the Kent State Visual Arts program at Kent State.

“There is a lot of spill over from the visual arts program,” Orlando said.

Also in attendance were the university’s Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Association and Super Service Saturdays members, who volunteered their time.

“It’s so tough to get volunteers since (students) are just getting into the swing of things (at the beginning of the semester),” said Karen Magilavy, an administrative assistant.

Looking ahead to the future, the festival plans on incorporating new food vendors, had already been expanded on this year compared to last year’s options.

Kellie Nock is an arts reporter, contact her at [email protected].