MANITOU BEACH — As developers David Gajda and Jose Malagon started buying commercial properties in Manitou Beach some 14 years ago, they wanted to find a way to draw people to the area and saw that other parts of Michigan such as Harbor Springs and Saugatuck were doing just that through art festivals.
A few years later, in 2014, dream became reality with the Devils Lake Festival of the Arts.
That first festival drew 25 fine artists and about 1,500 visitors. Over time, more and more activities were added, as was a Crafters Market to broaden the appeal even more.
This year, as the festival marks its 10th anniversary, it will do so with 50 artists from around the region and as far away as the East and West coasts, along with 50 crafters, 10 food vendors, and a wide range of activities for both adults and children to enjoy. Organizers expect some 5,000 people to attend.
The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22.
“It gets bigger and better every year,” festival producer Kelly Stickel said.
The art featured at this year’s festival will run the gamut of media, including painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, metal work, and more. “We have tons of great returning artists as well as new ones,” Stickel said.
The festival is a juried show, meaning that artists must have their work evaluated by a committee of artists in order to participate. Crafters are juried as well. Both artists and craftspeople are encouraged to demonstrate their art during the event, giving festival visitors an up close and personal look at the creative process.
“We’re making sure we have vibrant artists who are creating great experiences,” Stickel said.
In addition to browsing all the art, visitors can participate in a number of family-friendly activities beginning with a 10 a.m. puppet show on the festival’s main stage featuring Goosey Lucy that comes complete with interactive storytelling and children’s activities.
Kids can even make their own art at the Manitou Beach Creative Children’s Art Tent, located in front of the Devils Lake Inn. Also at the tent, visitors can purchase art, including cards, created by young participants in the same community arts program. Proceeds go toward the purchase of more art supplies for the program.
But the art-making opportunities extend to more than just the kids. Festivalgoers of all ages can sign up to Chalk the Walk in front of Trends Hair Salon, using chalk to create colorful sidewalk art.
Other activities for the whole family include a unique pickleball experience that combines lessons in how to play the game with stories shared by children’s author Jackie Freeman.
Children can also get their faces painted by artist Tami Hindes and visit the Kids Petting Zoo, where they will be able to interact with furry and feathered animals including goats, llamas, chickens, and rabbits. “And if it’s a really nice day, the tortoise will be there,” Stickel said.
Sunrise yoga at the Devils Lake Yacht Club, musical entertainment throughout the day, a variety of food options, and a beer/wine tent are among the festival’s other attractions.
Between the festival and the various dining, shopping, and other options available in the area, “a family could make a whole weekend out of it,” Stickel said. “There are lots of things to do to make this a full weekend.”
Shuttle buses will run all day between the venue and several marked parking areas on Devils Lake Highway. Shuttles will also operate to and from the hotels in Adrian that have partnered with the festival.
More information can be found at devilslakefestivalofthearts.com or
facebook.com/DevilsLakeFestivalOfTheArts.
