The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of so many events this summer, including ArtSplash. Siouxland Public Media’s Sheila Brummer with the online evolution of this annual festival to meet the times.
Every Labor Day weekend for 26-years, thousands of people packed Sioux City’s Riverside Park for ArtSplash. The annual event showcasing more than paintings, pottery and photography.
With ArtSplash canceled this year, there’s an alternative, on Facebook and on the website artsplashonline.com.
“It’s very bitter sweet to look back.”
The Development Associate with the Art Center, Summer Amman, provides some insight on the virtual option.
“We wanted to show them all of the different pieces of ArtSplash they don’t always get to see when they are at the festival. Some of the behind the scenes things a little bit, some of the planning that goes into it.”
This isn’t the first time ArtSplash faced obstacles, flooding forced the festival away from Sioux City’s riverfront.
“We did move to Grandview Park for a few years before coming to Riverside Park. And, that is an excellent location for us.”
For now, the current scene for ArtSplash is utilizing a different medium. With highlights on history, growth and community involvement surrounding the summer showcase.
“We needed to take the entire week to show what we wanted to share, 26 years of festival. We hope people seeing this celebration and reflection on this ArtSplash Festival.”
And, there’s hope everyone will be back in person next Labor Day Weekend in 2021.
ArtSplash online will continue through Labor Day Weekend.
