Bellevue Arts Museum Artsfair returns July 29-31 | Community

In fact, BAM's artsfair was recently ranked as one of the top 100 fairs in the nation. Now in its 65th year, the fair BAM Artsfair is packed with community programs for all ages; including a giant chalk mural for children; an impressive lineup of independent artists from across the nation and varied exhibitions.

By Gabrielle Nomura • July 27, 2011 8:51 pm
BAM Artsfair
BAM Artsfair

Summertime is about barbecues, baseball games and sunshine but in Bellevue – summer is also the season for art.

Next week, the city will host a trio of three different arts fairs from Friday July 29 until Sunday July 31. More than 600 talented craftspeople and artists, plus one-of-a-kind items to buy and to look at in every medium from sculpture to jewelry will fill downtown’s streets.

Hands-on activities for all ages, community programs, live music and food vendors will add to the festive atmosphere.

All fairs are free and open to the public.

Here’s a bit more about each fair.

BELLEVUE ARTS MUSEUM – ARTSFAIR

After 15 years of selling her blown glass vases at Bellevue’s Artsfair, artist Dehanna Jones knows the secret to getting the most out of it.

“Take the day off and get there (when it starts) Friday morning,” said Jones, who owns Totally Blown Glassworks in Seattle.

Friday morning is a smart time to go to the festival, held at Bellevue Square and Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM); it’s not too crowded and shoppers get first-pick on one-of-a-kind arts and crafts.

Now in its 65th year, BAM is launching an interactive outdoor art installation, “Experience Web: An Open Book,” highlighting the community’s collective experience at the fair.

Throughout the weekend, everyone is invited to help wrap, wind and weave a web of brightly colored yarn into massive sculptures stretching several blocks in downtown Bellevue.

The final piece will remain on view through Labor Day. Also new is a walking tour of the Carol Duke Artist Award of

Excellence winners at 1 p.m., July 29. The public is invited to meet this year’s 10 award-winners.

The BAM artsfair is 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m., July 29 and July 30; and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 31. Admission is free and includes entrance to BAM’s galleries. The Arsfair is located at 575 Bellevue Square, (between Northeast Fourth and Northeast Eighth streets and at BAM, 510 Bellevue Way N.E.

For more information, go to www.bellevuearts.org or call 425-519-0770.

BELLEVUE DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION – THE 6TH STREET FAIR

For a taste of the arts, head over to the 6th Street Fair for more than 130 artists in an open-air showcase of sculpture, jewelry, home décor, wood and glass work, fabrics and more.

As attendees peruse an eclectic mix of arts and crafts,  they’ll hear live jazz, blues and rock music.

Food will include gyros, German bratwurst, crepes, Asian-fusion cuisine and more.

The festival is accessible by nearby shuttles, a street-side layout next to the Bellevue Galleria and quick access to nearby freeways, the transit center and parking.

The 6th Street Fair is 10 a.m.-8p.m. Friday, July 29-Sunday, July 31.

For directions, parking, transportation options and more information, call 425-453-1223 or go to www.bellevuedowntown.org.

CRAFT COOPERATIVE OF THE NORTHWEST – BELLEVUE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Now celebrating its 27th year, the festival of arts features more than 180 artisans and craftspeople. The Craft Cooperative of the Northwest continues to support a variety of nonprofits with proceeds from the festival. These include shelters, food banks, community centers, youth programs and health care clinics.

The festival is 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. It’s located in the Cost Plus World Market parking lot at 10300 N.E. Eighth St.

For more information, go to www.bellevuefest.org or call  206-354-8434.

DOWNTOWN BELLEVUE STREET CLOSURES

With some downtown streets shut down for the fairs, travelers should expect some congestion. Street closure locations and times include:

100th Avenue Northeast, from Northeast Eighth Street to Northeast Tenth Street, will be closed in the  southbound direction on Thursday from 7a.m.- 9p.m. and on Sunday from 5:30p.m.-10p.m.

102nd Avenue Northeast, from Northeast Eighth Street to Northeast Tenth Street, will be closed in both directions from 7a.m . Friday to 11p.m. Sunday.

106th Avenue Northeast, from Northeast Fourth Street to Northeast Sixth Street, will be closed in both directions from 6 p.m. Thursday to 11 p.m. Sunday.

Northeast Sixth Street, from Bellevue Way to 106th Avenue Northeast, will be closed in both directions from 6p.m. Thursday to 11p.m. Sunday.

Northeast  Tenth Street, from 106th Avenue Northeast to 108th Avenue Northeast will be  closed in the westbound direction Thursday from 5-10 p.m.

For routes and schedules, go to www.kingcounty.gov/metro or www.soundtransit.org.