Washington Studios Artists’ Co-op is hosting an Earth Day themed Arts Festival, which will feature an entire day’s worth of local entertainment and a member’s exhibit in the Washington Gallery. Handmade art and crafts varying from hand blown glass and jewelry to crocheted hats will be for sale from 11 am – 5 pm. The event coincides with Duluth’s 21st Annual Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop, which offers a free trolley service running between thirteen Duluth galleries.

The Earth Day Arts Festival only allows handmade items. “We have everything from a variety of fine art at all price points to smaller handmade gift items,” says Ryan Tischer, President of WSAC. “I don’t know any other shows in the area that have as many truly unique handmade gifts and re-purposed items. What we have to offer fits really well into the Earth Day theme.” Tischer is also a locally known nature photographer and will be hosting an open studio and artwork sale during the event.

Performing artists of all varieties will be entertaining visitors throughout the day. Bluegrass and acoustic performances along with several poetry readings will show off just some of the various talents at WSAC. “It gets better and better each year,” says Aimee Kot, a performing artist who will be playing guitar and singing at the Arts Festival. Anna Ferguson, a well-known belly dancer, will also be performing.

Washington Studios Artists’ Co-op is a venue that promises to be more intimate than most. “We love to have the opportunity to invite people into our homes,” says Jake Swanson, a photographer and member of WSAC. Apartments will also be available for viewing for those interested in joining the community of artists.

This event is a longstanding tradition for the community and fifteen-year-old artist co-op that resides in the renovated Washington School. More than 40 artists and their families live, work, and play at WSAC. Washington Studios Artists’ Co-op is located at 315 North Lake Avenue in Duluth.