Bethesda Row Arts Festival Paints a Perfect Picture for Art Enthusiasts

Art lovers will be able to enjoy one of the area’s most popular arts festivals this weekend, featuring the work of leading fine artists from around the country.

The fifteenth annual Bethesda Row Arts Festival will take place this weekend throughout Bethesda Row, located near Woodmont and Bethesda Avenues.  More than 190 artists and craftpersons will showcase their ceramics, fabrics, drawings, glass, jewelry, graphics, paintings, pastels, metalwork, printmaking, sculptures, wood and mixed media, according to the Bethesda Row Arts Festival's website.

“Our artist applications are up 20 percent from last year and we have more than 190 featured artists this year—more than ever before,” Vanessa Rodriguez, who handles marketing for Bethesda Row through Federal Realty, said. “We've also introduced new elements—an outdoor sculpture garden and sangria and wine gardens—perfect for enjoying the great weather expected this weekend.” 

The sculpture garden will feature work from five sculptors—Charles Strain of Harissburg, MO, Marc Freedman of Newfield, NY, Nnamdi Okokwo of Fayettville, GA, Sabra Richards of Cadiz, KY and Stan Megdall from West Bloomfield, MI. 

The festival will also showcase live acoustic stage performances, children’s art activities, street performers and an art sale benefitting the NIH Children’s Charities, which include The Children’s Inn, Camp Fantastic/Special Love Inc., and Friends of the Clinical Center.

The festival will feature high-quality food vendors, as well.

And if you get a little thirsty, Redwood Restaurant and Jaleo will be serving refreshments all weekend long. Redwood will host a Wine Garden on Bethesda Lane and Jaleo will host a Sangria Garden on their outdoor patio on Woodmont Avenue.

“We want to give the guests of the Bethesda Arts Festival a chance to take a break from walking around, pop by and grab a quick glass between seeing all of the amazing art that will be at the festival,” Amanda Earley, a spokeswoman for Redwood Restaurant and Bar, said.

“There's something for everyone to enjoy—families can enjoy the children's art activities, foodies can have cocktails at Jaleo's sangria garden and Redwood's wine garden and art lovers can shop unique creations, from jewelry and ceramics to glass and traditional paintings, from artists all across the country,” Rodriguez said.  

To view a complete list of artists go to the Bethesda Row Arts Festival's website.

The Details:

What: Bethesda Row Arts Festival
When: Oct. 20, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m and Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.      
Where: Bethesda Row
Price: Free admission for all ages