Festival in the Park: entertainment and also art

I’m paying more attention to the bare spaces on my walls now that Festival in the Park is back at Freedom Park.
The annual event, running through Sunday, brings music and other entertainment, but it’s also about art.
There will be 180 artists selling pottery, paintings, sculptures and other pretty things for the home. Jewelry and other crafts will be on sale, too.
North Carolina has its share of fine potters, so I always look forward to seeing the clay work. This year even more so.
“Sixty percent of our artists are new this year,” said David Dalton, Festival in the Park president. “That really brings a fresh look.”
Most pieces will go for $50 to $500. Organizers host Kings Drive Art Walk in spring for those who are comfortable with higher prices.
At Festival in the Park, you’ll often see paintings and photography with images of the mountains or the coast. That’s because the Carolinas have such breathtaking landscapes, Dalton said.
The photo above, "Sunset at Pawley's Island," is by Jae Williams. The one below is by Araik Minasyan. Both will be exhibitors this year.
With lots of families expected, some artists also bring pieces for a child’s room or nursery.
For me, Mountains or coastland would be much better than these bare spots.

Take a peek at this year’s progam.

Sullivan: home@charlotteobserver.com; Twitter: @sullivan_obs