Art on the Greene Festival Once Again Draws Crowds to Arlington’s Entertainment District

By Mark Fadden

Posted on May 30, 2017, May 30, 2017

While there's a long list of arts and cultural festivals hosted throughout the year across North Texas, Art on the Greene in Arlington has established a name for itself with art aficionados and outdoor lovers alike.

"It's relaxing,"said Grand Prairie resident Kevyn Reed. "You're here under the trees. Each artist has their own booth and own area. You can spend time talking to the artists without the feeling of thousands of people crowding you on the hot pavement like at other festivals."

Billed as an "art lover's paradise"by organizers, Art on the Greene Art Festival has been bringing a top-quality art show to Arlington's Entertainment District each spring for the last six years. This year's festival at Richard Greene Linear Park along Johnson Creek ran from May 26 to May 28.

Reed, an art teacher at Reagan Middle School in Grand Prairie and an artist herself, said she came to the festival seeking inspiration from vendors such as photographer Anthony Lowery. A portrait artist by trade, Lowery was at the three-day festival selling his scenic photographs of wildlife and landscapes, most of which come from trips to the Alaskan wilderness.

"I've been a photographer for 39 years and this is my third year to be a part of Art on the Greene,"said Lowery, an Arlington resident. "I sell a lot of my work, but I also use it for exposure. It's a great way to talk to folks who like photography and get your name out there."

Photographers weren't the only artists with their talent on display. The festival featured dozens of national, regional and local artists showcasing their one-of-a-kind works in ceramic, drawing, fiber, glass, leather, metal, and more.

Arlington painter Venus said she gets her inspiration for her impressionism portraits, like the one she did of actor Ashton Kutcher, through unlikely places.

"I saw his speech to Congress about child safety on the Internet and knew I had to capture that side of him,"Venus said.

Other artists included Jef Barton, who grew up in Arlington and has been a potter for 50 years.

"This is one of my favorite shows,"said Barton, who sells his unique creations at many of the DFW art festivals throughout the year. "It's a great location and atmosphere. Plus, all the artists get a fantastic amount of support from the city."

Festival attendees and Arlington residents Judy Zacharias and Suzi Michell couldn't have agreed with Barton more.

"I go to several art shows throughout the year and this one stacks up very well,"said Zacharias. "It's eclectic. There's something for everyone."