225 children focus of Art Fest

A few hundred children had a chance to get creative using cotton balls, Q-Tips, straws, spray bottles and even their own hands when Town of Farragut presented its inaugural Art Fest on the grounds of Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd., Sunday, Sept. 12.

“Kids and parents of all ages had a ‘great painty’ time, and we can’t wait to provide an even more improved event next year,” Farragut Special Event and Program coordinator Brittany Spencer said. “It was an absolutely beautiful day for an outside event.”

Spencer estimated there were about 225 children out of the 400 who attended.

“It’s important to encourage children to express themselves creatively,” said Tyra Haag of Farragut, adding about her son, Eli, “He’s so excited to be here.”

“We love it,” said Laura Berens of Farragut, who brought her children, Olivia Grace, 5, and Jacob, 3. “We love all the community events.”

“We just moved (to Farragut) from Oregon,” Damien Cromwell said. “This is so fun. We love the family events, and (daughter Claire) was so excited to come to this event.”

Interactive activity stations allowed children to rotate from designing a “group mural,” using spray bottles and their hands, to designing by squirt gun painting, designing by “monster straw” and having fun with spin art, Q-Tip painting, cotton ball stamping and bubble printing.

“We had about a dozen volunteers, including Arts & Beautification Committee members,” Spencer said.

“They love doing arts and crafts,” Dan Gage of Maryville said of his daughters, 6-year-old Sasha, and 5-year-old Nika. “They love painting and making things.

“Sasha makes permanent sculptures out of Legos.”