Wanderlust Art Fair launches in Longmont Sept. 19

New event showcases local art in “western riff on a Parisian street fair”

By Kyle Kirves

Ask Joyanna Rose Gittings of Obra Arts what makes the Longmont’s Wanderlust Art Fair unique among Colorado’s many arts showcase events and the answer comes easy.

“We wanted to create an event that puts the art in focus. So many city events headline music, with art as an afterthought. Wanderlust is curated to showcase the varied kinds of art being made right here in Longmont.”

300 Suns Brewing
The brewery partner for the art fair also is home to Scratch Kitchen and Colorado’s Best Hot Chicken sandwich by the Denver Post (and in this reporter’s opinion, the greatest hamburger sandwich ever conceived, the Longmonster). 

Wanderlust, which is in its inaugural season and will be held on September 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Tumbleweed Art Collective (1333 Coffman St., Longmont), is an event by artists and for art lovers. The fair is not defined by a particular medium or style but is instead an eclectic mix with something that will appeal to all.

Tumbleweed Art Collective is partnering with Obra Arts Studio and Maraluna Jewelry to champion new artists and established members of the local and regional art community through the Wanderlust Art Fair.

Amy Ellis, owner and founder of Tumbleweed, has been wanting to do something like Wanderlust since the collective’s inception. “We’ve wanted to do an outdoor festival and fair since the beginning. It really is something of a dream realized to have this all day, art centric event. It is especially great to be working with partners who want this to be the warmest and most welcoming experience it can be for everyone and anyone.”

The vision is a kind of western riff on a Parisian street fair, Joanna says, “where you wander and happen upon something unexpected. We wanted Wanderlust to evoke that sense of discovery, with art as the centerpiece.”

Amy agrees. “We wanted something that replicates the way you feel when you’re in a new place and experiencing things for the first time. That sense of surprise and adventure. A tourism in your own backyard kind of vibe.”

The fair will feature a baker’s dozen Tumbleweed’s artists on-scene, as well as 12 other guest creators, who will be eager to talk about their inspirations, process, methods and more. More than 80 other artists’ work will be on hand in Tumbleweed Art Collective itself that patrons can delight to. That’s more than a hundred artists’ work in one location, for one day, for one marvelous and memorable event.

Because wandering is thirsty business, art patrons will appreciate cold craft beer on tap and more from Longmont’s own 300 Suns Brewing. Sam and Sam Authentic Eats (modern Asian and more) and Emory Jane’s Coffee Company will also be on hand as the fair’s official food vendors.

Families and children are welcomed to Wanderlust. “We’ll have demonstrations, artists showing how their work is made, and a chalk wall for kids to draw on,” says Rose Gittings of Obra Arts. “I think families and anyone – even those who aren’t typical art patrons – will enjoy seeing the variety and creativity on display.”

How often do you get to say you were at “the first” of what’s become an annual tradition? Tumbleweed Art Collective on Sept. 19 will showcase more than 100 artists, hands-on creativity, local flavors and plenty of inspiration await. 

Kyle Kirves drinks beer, plays guitar, runs trails, and manages projects – all with varying degrees of success. While not a craftsman himself, he is quite content writing about the Colorado artisans who create such wonderful things and memorable experiences.