When an annual event celebrates 43 years in existence — and expands in popularity each year — someone is doing something right.
In the case of Griffith’s Park Full of Art, that someone translates into more than 25 volunteers who assist event coordinator Kathie Price.
Price’s parents Chuck and Sonnie Ricks put the event together in 1974, with the intention of bringing fine arts to Griffith, via Central Park, she said. After they passed away in 2014, she wanted the show to go on.
“I grew up with this (event) and wanted to continue my parents’ mission,” she said at this year’s recent event. We’ve been able to do that, thanks to our volunteers. This is a well-oiled machine — things are running smoothly.”
That was very evident, as hundreds of visitors to the two-day event leisurely perused the 53 vendors offering their wares.
Items for sale ranged from hand-made stone statues and precious-stone jewelry to colorful paintings by both local and out-of-town artists, with much in between.
“We’ve been coming here for many years, it’s such a good time,” said Mattie Harrison of Chicago, as she looked over a table of handmade scarves. “I used to live in Griffith when I was growing up and I want to be part of this community art show. It’s so wonderful that so many people want to do that too.”
Local artist Kathy Los-Rathburn has been with the art show since its inception 43 years ago.
“There’s always such a great crowd each year,” she said. “With this type of event you need a large variety and we definitely have it here.”
Kerri Parker of Griffith brought her entire family to the event — mom, dad, brother and sister.
“We like to do things together on the weekend and this art show fit right in our schedule,” she said, as she picked out a piece of jewelry. “We all like different things, but that’s ok. They have so much here, different things. I’m sure we’ll all go home with something.”
The coordinating committee also sold food at the event, and offered a raffle, which consisted of items donated by the vendors. Proceeds from these two are earmarked for scholarships for local students wishing to pursue a career in fine arts.
Chuck Ricks was an art teacher at Griffith High School for many years, and his wife was a great supporter of the arts, according to their daughter.
As it was in the beginning, all vendors present during the show were juried.
“We pride ourselves on being a fine arts show,” Price said. “That’s how it was when it started, and that how we want it to continue.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.