“Arts in the Garden” is a free, outdoor art show featuring garden art and refreshments in the beautiful and welcoming setting of the Bellevue Botanical Garden.

The event, which is presented by the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society, will take place from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., Aug. 26-27 at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St. in Bellevue. Admission and parking are free. Additional free parking is located in Wilburton Hill Park, immediately east of the garden.

Visitors can find that special piece of art to enjoy in their own garden from 32 local and regional artists working in a wide variety of mediums, including forged metal, ceramics and glass. The art is placed among the lawns and woodlands of this 53-acre public park, providing a unique opportunity to experience artists and their art in an intimate and personal way. In addition to the artists and artwork, the event will feature a performance by Kogut Butoh dancers at 1 p.m. on Aug. 26, a visit by Ciscoe Morris at 2 p.m. on Aug. 26, and a performance by the Sammamish Youth Chamber Orchestra at 1 p.m. on Aug. 27. Both days the event will include food, beverages and libations offered at various locations throughout the garden.

Aiko Vail, a Bellevue-based glass artist, has participated in Arts in the Garden for six years. She believes the event holds a unique position in the busy summer calendar of art fairs and events across the Northwest.

“There are very few opportunities to talk with customers, share your art and display it in the type of environment you designed it for,” Vail said. “Garden visitors can really understand what went into the creation of the art and how best it can enliven their own garden.”

Creating this intimate and interactive sense of community is the vision of the Garden Society, said Courtney Voorhees, operations manager: “We think of the Bellevue Botanical Garden as one of Bellevue’s best gifts to all the people that live in the region. It’s a magical oasis that can bring our community together, encouraging conversation and renewing spirits.”

This year’s event is particularly significant, because the garden just celebrated its 25th anniversary.

“We are incredibly proud of this magical place,” Voorhees aid. “The Arts in the Garden event is one of the ways we can introduce and share this gift with more and more people.”

For more information and to see a list of artists, visit www.artsinthegardenbellevue.org.