Photos: Artists show imaginative spirit at Lake Oswego art festival

The 61st annual Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts, which took place at George Rogers Park and the Lakewood Center for the Arts June 21-23, showcased the boundlessness of creativity.

The theme of the event was “Imagine That” and it included a featured exhibit, “Imagination Menagerie,” where artists created works inspired by children’s art.There was also an exhibit where artists utilized elements of Ethiopian culture, music from the likes of Robert Henry & the Repeaters and The Voice finalist Jacquie Roar, a performance of “Robin Hood” by the Missoula Children’s Theatre, many artist booths and more.

The event was put on by the Lakewood center and attracted over 21,000 people. Lakewood Executive Director Andrew Edwards said the nice weather was a boon for the event and he highlighted the music lineup and youth exhibits as especially popular.

“We made extensive outreaches throughout the county and the Portland area to have youth exhibits this year focusing on the Imaginarium. That generated a huge response when we did our youth award ceremony on Saturday. We were quite pleased with the number of people who brought their families to see what their students had done and the awards that were won,” Edwards said.

Edwards said a record amount of artwork was sold (over 200 pieces) and added that more than 450 volunteers helped put on the event. He posited that the festival is the signature event in Lake Oswego.

“I think it (the amount of volunteers) speaks highly of how beloved the festival is. It really kicks off the summer,” he said.