Art in the Park brings art, music to downtown Kent

Brian+Feltner+performs+at+Fred+Fuller+Park+during+Art+in+the+Park+on+Saturday+Sept.+12%2C+2015.

Brian Feltner performs at Fred Fuller Park during Art in the Park on Saturday Sept. 12, 2015.

Bailey Purpura

Kent’s 22nd annual Art in the Park at Fred Fuller Park included more than 80 booths of works like recycled jewelry, wooden clocks, clothing and decorations made with utensils.

Allie M. Designs, located on E. Market St. in Akron, has had a booth at the art show for several years.

“I love coming to this event because I feel very comfortable here,” said owner and designer Allie Jackson.

Jackson’s booth displayed a variety of hand-made accessories.

Art in the Park also included first time designers who displayed their work. Kimberlyn Bloise, a ceramist from Pittsburgh, displayed works such as flutes, hand drums and flute mugs.

“I’ve been making instruments for about a year and pottery for three (years),” Bloise said.

An Etsy page is the next step in her ceramic making designs she said. She also provides cards where she teaches the proper way to play her musical ceramics.

Art in the Park showcased harp players, indie pop singers, a steel drum performance and an accordion player. Different genres of music filled the park during the festival.

The food is also a popular part of the event, including homemade peach ice cream, kettle corn and lemonade.

“I come to Art in the Park every year, and it gets better every time,” said Tallmadge resident Lindsay Ibos. “My favorite parts are the spoon rings and steel drums.” 

Bailey Purpura is the downtown/city reporter for the Kent Stater. Contact her [email protected].