‘Shake off the winter doldrums’ at upcoming ‘Art in Kayenta’ festival

Written by Jessi Bang
February 7, 2024

ST. GEORGE — The “Art in Kayenta” festival is on the horizon, featuring a wide array of artistic exhibitions, live entertainment and cuisine for all to enjoy.

The Kayenta Art Festival takes place in Ivins, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Todd Prince, St. George News
The “Art in Kayenta” festival draws crowds, Ivins, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Todd Prince, St. George News

“It’s a special way to greet the early days of spring, and the views of Red Mountain from the village are spectacular,” festival coordinator Todd Prince told St. George News. 

The “Art in Kayenta” festival first took place in early spring and was later moved to fall. To fill the gap in shows, Prince said the village businesses decided to put on a smaller show over President’s Day weekend. The February art festival in its current configuration has been around for roughly 10 years.

Because the festival is smaller in size, it allows patrons to spend more time getting to know the artists behind the work. It also helps bring business to the art village during a slower time of year. 

“It offers artists an opportunity to get a jump on the festival season and provides the community a chance to shake off the winter doldrums and get out and have some fun,” Prince said. “Experience great art, catch some live music and have some tasty treats from our food vendors.”

The Kayenta Art Festival takes place in Ivins, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Todd Prince, St. George News
The “Art in Kayenta” festival draws interest, Ivins, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Todd Prince, St. George News

This year, nearly 30 artists will participate in the festival. Art mediums include wood, paintings, jewelry, gourds, metal, glass, fiber and more. Prince said it’s quite an eclectic collection of artists showcasing a variety of techniques and fine art pieces.

Watercolor artist Chloe Duncan, whose work will be showcased at the event, said she loves the festival’s location. Her mother, Perri Duncan, will also have a booth, and the pair expects a high turnout due to the level of fine art that will be available. 

While some of the artists come from nearby communities, there will also be artists from Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada.

“I’ve been doing this for nearly 25 years, but I still find the depth of talent and creativity to be incredible,” Prince said. “I’m often in awe of their genius and capacity for expression through their art.” 

Prince acts as a liaison and facilitator between the artists and the art village. He’s in charge of the overall planning and implementation, recruitment of artists, musicians and food vendors and oversees marketing.

The Kayenta Art Festival takes place in Ivins, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Todd Prince, St. George News
The “Art in Kayenta” festival takes place in Ivins, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Todd Prince, St. George News

The festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17-18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 800 N. Kayenta Parkway in Ivins. Food vendors will include Mexican food, tacos and vegan options. 

Live performers on Saturday include Thomas Anderson, Kaeli Chae and Austin Mariano, with River House Band, Mason Cottam and Desert Stars Music showcased on Sunday. Performances begin at 10:30 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m.

For more information on the Kayenta Art Village, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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