In addition to seeing incredible artwork made by 54 visual artists, the Austin ArtWorks Festival offers attendees numerous opportunities to watch art being made as well as participate in the creation.

The Annex Gallery space will feature returning demonstrating artists Peter Waldman and Kyra Bellrichard, as well as Joseph Sand.

Peter will be glassblowing with help from Andrew Kepper, as well as a few other guests, and Kyra will be providing hands on opportunities for kids to throw their own pots.

Joseph has sold work at the festival in previous years, but this will be the first time festival goers will be able to observe how he builds his giant pots.

The remaining hands-on creation opportunities will happen over in the Family Activities garage located parallel to Fourth Ave. NW. Patrick Hansel and Luisa Cabello Hansel will be showing attendees how to mosaic, Rochelle Perleberg will be hula hooping, Cheryl Collins from MacPhail Center for Music will be leading kids in Bucket Drumming, and Flor Vargas will have pinatas for the kids to break on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Children will also be able to Brush the Beetle and get their faces painted by Matchbox Children’s Theatre.

Our Family Activities Committee led by Murielle Atewologun, Jenelle Cummings, and Peggy Keener, will have numerous projects for children of all ages to participate in, including: woodworking, Legos, jewelry, dolls and flip flops and flowers.

We encourage everyone attending to plan on spending extra time at the festival as to not miss any of the excitement.

This year’s Austin ArtWorks Festival is on from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28.