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THE BIRTH OF THE FESTIVAL

The Anacortes Arts and Crafts Festival got its start in 1962 as the brain-child of Dr. Jack Papritz and a group of dedicated community arts patrons. The idea came from Dr. Papritz’s European travels, specifically the Parisienne Montmartre – a French open-air cafe.

With the support of the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, and $300 in seed money, the first festival in July of 1962 was billed as “the longest art display in the world.” In the 50 years since that simple beginning, the Festival has grown into one of the largest and most respected Festivals in the northwest.



Changing our name to the Anacortes Arts Festival in the 90’s, the Festival Board remains committed to producing a first class Festival that showcases art in all its forms. As some things change, others remain vital to our identity – these things you will see scattered throughout our web site. We recognize the contributions of the many individuals and organizations who have formed the backbone of our continuing mission of supporting the arts in our community, and look forward to the continuing evolution of the Festival.
  • Expression
    Festivals

THE EARLY FESTIVAL

In it’s early years, the main emphasis of the Festival was fine art in a festive atmosphere. There were judged pieces in both amateur and professional divisions, a youth art exhibit, and a venue for artists of all levels to display their work. Throughout its history, this commitment to art has remained constant and today is realized in the Art at the Port exhibition that showcases cutting edge northwest art through Invitational and Juried shows.

1983 Festival

Early entrepreneurs sold their arts and crafts in the street in a broad range of mediums – not so different from the juried artists who are still the bread and butter of the Festival. In the 60’s there was a designated “discovery gallery,” in which any artist could submit artwork to be hung on a clothesline and sold for either $1 or $5.

Another historical constant of the Festival has been entertainment. Originally it was a jazz venue at the local high school; today attendees need not leave the Festival thoroughfare to enjoy the four stages showcasing sounds from around the world and northwest jazz and blues.

PARTICIPANTS

As luck would have it, as the Festival was making a name for itself, so were early contributors. Several gained national prominence as the fathers of a “new” northwest style of art. Others were affiliated with museums and universities, keeping the Festival in touch with emerging art trends. Through the participation of many influential participants, the Anacortes Festival was quietly and unassumingly establishing a reputation in the northwest art scene.