Glenwood Arts Festival showcases handcrafted artwork at Bethel Plaza

A metal art vendor displays artwork in Bethel Plaza during the 2021 Glenwood Arts Festival. Photo courtesy of Colorado Events

More than 60 art vendors are due to offer their wares Saturday, Sunday and Monday under the Grand Avenue Bridge as part of the Glenwood Arts Festival.

Organized by Colorado Events, a Boulder-based nonprofit organization that has specialized in arts festivals since 2002, the Glenwood Arts Festival offers residents and visitors the opportunity to browse handcrafted works of art in Bethel Plaza during the Memorial Day weekend, said Steve Wallis, executive director of Colorado Events.

“Last year was our first Glenwood Arts Festival,” Wallis added. “We had a very good turnout and can’t wait to get back there this year.”



Free and open to the public, the opening hours of the Arts Festival are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday.

In 2021, the event attracted around 55 art vendors; this year, Wallis said about 65 vendors are expected to attend the festival.



“It’s a juried art show, which means all the artists are selected by a three-person jury,” Wallis said. “We bring in a mix of local artists, with the majority of our artists being from Colorado as well as a few from across the country.”

Artwork on display can range from paintings and jewelry to wrought iron and pottery — all handcrafted — Wallis said.

Live music is also scheduled for the event, with Aspen musician Dan Sheridan scheduled to perform on Saturday and Cara Elizabeth of Louisville scheduled for Sunday.

“It should be a really good time,” Wallis said. “I live in Boulder, but I’ve always loved Glenwood Springs. People have a deep appreciation for art.