For Jean Rasher, everything begins with art.
"Nothing starts without a design, without a sketch," she said. "So just seeing art is important."
That's why Rasher has submitted her artwork and helped direct Grand Island's Art in the Park for more than a decade.
On Sunday, she will join artists and area residents at the 26th annual Grand Island Art in the Park.
The fine arts celebration will showcase visual and performing fine arts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Stolley Park.
Sponsored by the Grand Island Sketch Club and Grand Island Art Club, the fine arts fair will feature watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings, sketches, pottery, jewelry, sculpture and blown glass. Dance troupes, tae kwon do, guitarists and vocalists will make up the performance side of the event.
While Art in the Park will feature primarily local artists, the scope of the art's origins spans the entire state, said Alan Lienert, the event's director of eight years.
Carol Schooley will judge art Sunday morning, and cash prizes will be awarded at noon, Lienert said.
Children's activities are also planned. Before 9 a.m., children can submit original artwork to be judged by Connie McHenry, said Jean Satterly, director of the children's area. Cash prizes will be awarded in each age group.
Eight groups will host supervised children's art activities from 1 to 3 p.m.
"We want to continue to promote arts in the summer and creativity within all ages of children," Satterly said.
Rasher's acrylic ink and watercolor paintings will be on display in the Grand Island Sketch Club's tent, she said.
"I've known I wanted to be an artist since I was 8 years old. I just didn't get down to it until I retired," Rasher said.
Art in the Park attracts people from all ages and art abilities, Lienert said.
"The goal is really to just celebrate the fine arts," he said.
IF YOU GO:
Art in the Park
- When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
- Where: Stolley Park
- What: A celebration of visual and performing fine arts.
- Children’s Area: Children may bring original artwork to the park before 9 a.m. to be judged. Supervised art activities from 1 to 3 p.m.
