The Bay School Community Arts Center and Canine Companions are cohosting the first ever Family Arts & Barks Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in the Bay School backyard on Main Street in Mathews.
The festival is an expansion of the annual Family Arts Festival, held each spring for the last three years. Art activities and live music are the main focus, but this year the festival will see the addition of canine fun.
On the backyard stage, Hunter Owens will play solo sets and sets with his new musical trio, Three Creeks Down, from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., and Virginia Shellphish Coalition will play from 2:15-5 p.m. During the break between bands, festival attendees can participate in a drum circle with CA&J Farm. Shorter breaks between music sets will feature speakers and demonstrations from both Canine Companions and the Bay School.
Hands-on activities include hand-building and throwing clay on the wheel, tie dye, squeegee painting, making cardboard jellyfish, build-a-bug cardboard art, egg carton turtle, decoupage shell necklace, memory wire bracelets, artist trading cards, dog tag necklaces and dog puppets.
Attendees may contribute their touch to this year’s community painting and try their hand at squirt gun art. Dogs can even make their own paintings by licking peanut butter and plastic-covered paint on a canvas. A caricature artist, face painter and a photo booth will help guests preserve more memories of the event.
Guessing games, lawn games, and a yoga session will keep kids of all ages entertained. A chill-out tent will be available on the lawn for dogs (or people) who need a break from the activity or sun.
Lunch offerings from El Padrino and The Wandering Sausage food trucks, beer from Gloucester Brewing Company, artistic cookies, and bags of dog treats will be available for purchase.
Guests can try their luck at numerous raffles, including one for hand-painted pet portrait ornaments by RAW Art. There will also be a puppy kissing booth, spreading joy to attendees of all ages.
At the Bay School building, a “Pup-Up” Art Sale of artwork featuring dogs can be found in the driveway, along with a few local vendors. Inside the classroom, the film “Andy” will play, telling the story of one very special Canine Companion.
The room will also be used as a puppy kindergarten for young dogs who need quiet time with their human parents. The Art Speaks Gallery will be open for guests to view the summer exhibition, Art That Tells a Story.
This event is a fundraiser for both organizations, supporting the Bay School’s summer art camps and Canine Companions’ new training facility in Mathews. Tickets are $10 for youth and adults, with free admission for children five and younger. Tickets are available at the event or online. Activity tickets are included with entry and more may be purchased at the event.
For more information and ticket sales, visit bayschool-arts.com.