Planning is well underway for the 7th Annual Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, a Showcase of Visual and Performing Arts set for Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 from 10 am – 6 pm along The Woodlands Waterway® and in Town Green Park.

This juried art show featuring 200 international, national and regional fine artists has now become an annual tradition in The Woodlands. The Planning Committee, comprised of local artists, teachers, art enthusiasts and marketing professionals, is under the direction of Jenny Wright, festival director. The festival is presented by The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council, Inc. a 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to provide regional cultural enrichment opportunities that encourage, support and promote the visual and performing arts.

More than 16,000 people attended last year’s festival. The variety of original artwork that will be available at the festival includes clay, drawing, fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media 2D and 3D, painting, pastel, photography, sculpture, textile, watercolor and wood. The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is ranked among the Top 100 Art Festivals in the U.S. by ArtFair Source Book.

“The spectrum of art and fine craftwork displayed at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival appeals to a wide range of tastes and budgets,” said Wright.

Patrons enjoy performing arts and live entertainment throughout the festival weekend. Performing artists are now being sought to perform at the festival on the main stage overlooking The Woodlands Waterway®. Dancers, musicians, singers and performance artists are encouraged to share their talent with the community by applying to perform at the festival. Those interested should go to http://www.woodlandsartsfestival.com/forms/performing.application.asp and complete the application. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 9 and applicants will be notified by March 14.

Other highlights of the festival include the Student Scholarship Exhibit, showcasing award-winning art created by area high school students; Artopoly, where young artists can create and take home art projects guided by The Woodlands Children’s Museum and The Woodlands Arts League; and The Palette Café, serving excellent cuisine from area restaurants and a large selection of wine and beer.

New this year will be “The Art of Food”, featuring cooking demonstrations by chefs from area restaurants sponsored by Hubbell & Hudson.

You can also visit the Art in Montgomery County area, where festival-goers can meet members of local non-profit performing and fine arts organizations.

For detailed information about the festival and to purchase tickets online, visit www.woodlandsartsfestival.com. Tickets are $10, or $15 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Hundreds of volunteers are also needed for the festival. The volunteer sign-up sheet is available on the website at www.woodlandsartsfestival.com/volunteers.2012/asp.

Proceeds from the festival benefit area non-profit art organizations. Major sponsors of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival 2012 include The Woodlands Development Company, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and Houston Area Chevy Dealers.

Visit Michele Flory for more information on The Woodlands.