ArtFest returns to Henderson

The success of last year's first ArtFest of Henderson has convinced national artists that the stretch between Atlantic Road and Basic Road on Water Street is good business.

More than 200 artists, 17 of them local, will be setting up their best paintings, sculptures and jewelry on Henderson's main street this weekend for the Saturday and Sunday festival that runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sponsored by the city of Henderson, the event is co-organized with the Events Group Inc., in Tempe, Ariz. The company takes ArtFest to LaJolla, Calif., and Scottsdale, Ariz., each year. Representatives from the company invite the artists and arrange the layout at each event.

Attracting artists to last year's event was a challenge, Frank Maguire, president of The Events Group, said, adding that many artists weren't expecting huge sales or promotion in the Las Vegas area.

However, 30,000 to 40,000 attended last year, Brenda Fischer, spokeswoman for the city of Henderson, said.

"This year we expect at least that," she added.

The response from last year reached the ears of many artists, she said, adding that the booths will extend farther down Water Street than last year. Some will be located in the Henderson Convention Center.

The event will also feature food vendors, children's craft areas and three stages featuring live jazz, blues, country, reggae and Dixieland music.

Art displays include sculptures, three-dimensional art, ceramics and metalwork, woodwork, furniture and photography.

A silent auction to kick off the event and benefit Safe House will be at 6 p.m. today at the Henderson Convention Center.

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