Are you searching for a one-of-a-kind shoulder bag? How about a lampshade woven with hand painted shells? A mantel painting that every houseguest will spend several minutes admiring and contemplating?

The 8^th annual Fall Fest in Dillon is not only an art festival where one can find everything from a new favorite purse to that standout wall piece that transforms a living room, but a free, dog-friendly outdoor experience with food trucks, live music and the opportunity to witness art created right before one’s eyes.

Landing in Dillon this Saturday and Sunday, the festival brings in 100 carefully selected artists.

“I have a loyal core of artists that have done my shows for years, but at least 50 percent at every show are new,” says Fall Fest curator Darren Skanson, who is also a musician and half of the duo Colorado Roots Rock, where he is known as Jam Master D. Skanson got his start performing at art festivals in the 1990s and launched his first festival in 2004. He now organizes almost a dozen art festivals around Colorado from spring to fall and spends the off-season traveling to festivals around the U.S. searching for prospective artists.

“First and foremost, they have to be unique,” he says. “The artwork has to be something that catches our eye. Secondly, there’s the craftsmanship. It’s one thing to have a great idea, it’s another to pull it off in a professional, well-crafted manner.”

Take Colorado artist John Kessler, for example. He begins with a giant block of stone, typically expanded obsidian, and chisels it into incredibly detailed, often life-sized wildlife sculptures. Another Colorado-based artist, Esra Kellermanns’ abstract acrylic paintings open what look like alternative dimensions of colors, swirls and linework that resemble topographic maps. In addition to these striking masterpieces, much of the festival’s work is usable, wearable art – earrings, clothing and handbags that are equally original.

“Even the booths with artwork at a more modest price point, they still have those same elements of craftsmanship,” Skanson says. “I can’t just have $10,000 pieces at my show. There’s a great selection of items at  modest prices with totally unusual designs, forms, color tone … things that make you say, ‘wow, that’s a really creative idea.'”

Rather than festival participants presenting their wares in booths, each artist sets up a sort of pop-up gallery to display their work. A handful of artists even dedicate a few hours at the festival to creating new work and interactive experiences. 

“Some artists love having kids come up to paint on the canvas — it gives it a true festival atmosphere. We have tasty things on the consumable side, and a flautist who will perform Native music. We try to make it a fun, well-rounded festival where people can eat, shop and be entertained.”

Festival goers should be sure to inquire about a ticket toward a $1,000 shopping spree giveaway. The Fall Fest in Dillon runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday at 120 Buffalo Street in downtown Dillon.