Nearly 100 artists will be on hand for Aurora’s 14th annual Alley Art Festival. The free festival takes place from 12 to 5 p.m.
Aug. 31 on both Water Street Mall and Downer Place, between Stolp Avenue and Water Street, in downtown Aurora. The proudly grassroots festival follows the Aurora Farmers Market, which runs from 8 a.
m. to noon across the street at Water Street Square. Marissa Amoni co-founded the festival and organizes the event.
“We have wonderful support from the community. It’s one of the community’s favorite festivals and I think that’s really because it’s so unique that it highlights only local artists,” she said. “We only accept local artists .
.. within 30 miles from Aurora.
” That means attendees will be able to find art, jewelry and many more handmade items from local artists and makers. The festival has lasted for 14 years partly because it hasn’t changed too much, she said. “We’ve really tried to keep it grassroots and really focused on supporting local art,” she said.
“Instead of trying to grow it, we’re really trying to make sure it achieves that goal of benefitting local artists and giving the community the chance to support local art, see local art and meet local artists.” The only big change they’ve done recently is enlarge the stamp of the festival grounds, she said. It’s on Downer Place now in addition to Water Street Mall to double the number of artists.
“We’re kind of going back to the roots of Alley Art, so we.