Kirkland Summerfest has announced the beginning of a yearlong celebration of everything Northwest and especially Kirkland—the Kirkland Summerfest’s Fish Frolic along Lake Washington.
The Kirkland Summerfest’s Fish Frolic along Lake Washington will be spawned at the upcoming Kirkland Summerfest, 2013. Twenty more base fish sculptures are already in the works by artist Don Rothwell. Each of these base fiberglass sculptures will then go to various artists commissioned to embellish them in the artists own style. Once finished, the works of art will be displayed at community festivals and by select sponsors throughout the year. Five fish sculptures have already been distributed to selected artists and will be displayed at Kirkland Summerfest 2013. A second Call to Artists will be in August—look for more details on the Kirkland Summerfest website, Facebook page, and other outlets like 4Culture and Artists Trust.
The final reveal of all sculptures will take place at Kirkland Summerfest 2014 with a full exhibition and gala auction of the sculptures. Proceeds from the auction will be split between the decorating artist and the Kirkland Events Foundation. Kirkland Summerfest’s Fish Frolic along Lake Washington is sponsored in part by 4Culture.
Donald Rothwell, the artist to be commissioned for the fish sculpture base forms, is a retired instructor from the Art Institute of Seattle. His salmon weather vanes, decorated by himself and two other artists, were exhibited in the 2010 annual outdoor sculpture exhibit sponsored by the La Conner Arts Commission. His piece Salmon Survival Suit (mixed media) is now a permanent part of the La Connor Town Collection.
Kirkland Summerfest is Kirkland’s largest festival of music, art, food, and culture, taking place August 9, 10, and 11, in downtown Kirkland. Admission to Kirkland Summerfest is free. In its second year it is already renowned for transforming downtown Kirkland and Marina Park into a lively arts destination with amazing art, music, dancing, street performances, family entertainment, and an incredible selection of food. Admission is free.
Kirkland Summerfest at a glance:
Friday, August 9
- Summerfest kicks off 2013 bigger than ever with an opening night special theatrical presentation of The Tempest in the ever-popular Shakespeare in the Park at 7pm at Marina Park. Admission is free.
Saturday, August 10
- Live music, artists in action, food trucks, robotics demonstrations, TechZone, Moss Bay Cardboard Boat Regatta, kids bouncy toys and rides, Touch-A-Truck, Young Artists Exhibition, beer and wine gardens. Festival opens at 11am. Admission is free.
Sunday, August 11
- Live music, Northwest Folklife performers, artists in action, Rotary Duck Dash, Bot Battles, TechZone, kids bouncy toys and rides, Touch-A-Truck, Young Artists Exhibition, beer and wine gardens. Festival opens at11am. Admission is free.
Kirkland Summerfest is a Seafair Sanctioned Community Event and is presented by the Kirkland Events Foundation. More information at www.kirklandsummerfest.com.
About the Kirkland Events Foundation
The Kirkland Events Foundation is a non-profit organization created to improve the quality of life for the people of Kirkland through educational and community events, volunteerism, and funding nonprofits serving our community. Last year, Summerfest generated donations of over $7,500 which went directly to local nonprofits including the Lake Washington Schools Foundation.
An image gallery of last season’s Summerfest highlights is available in our online photo gallery featuring images taken by Bob Gassen/Humanature.
Donald Rothwell’s salmon weather vanes, decorated by himself and two other artists, exhibited at the 2010 annual outdoor sculpture exhibit sponsored by the La Conner Arts Commissio, including his piece Salmon Survival Suit (middle) as well as the projects inspirational piece by Kirkland artist Rebecca DeVere can be seen on the Fish Frolic tab at www.kirklandsummerfest.com.