Fourteen years ago, the Summit Arts Council held its first outdoor summer show for local artists. Since then, that event has transformed itself into the annual Meet the Artists Show, an outdoor festival showcasing the work of both local and regional artists. This year’s show and sale features the creative output of painters, sculptors, photographers, glassblowers and jewelry makers, as well as artists who work with ceramics and wearable fabric art. Everything exhibited will also be offered for sale, making it possible for festival goers to not only enjoy the artwork, but take it home with them as well.Due to space constraints, Meet the Artists is a juried show that is limited to only 30 booth exhibitors, who are chosen according to artistic merit by a panel of judges from the Summit Arts Council. This makes for a smaller, less-overwhelming venue for artists and attendees alike-which event organizers say is part of its appeal.”It’s a much more intimate show than most,” said Bob Hoppin, director of the co-op Arts Alive Gallery in Breckenridge, which serves as an exhibition venue for Summit Arts Council members. “And because it’s small, a lot of artists do better at this show because they don’t have so much competition.”Meet the Artists charges no admission fee, so festival-goers can enjoy the music and artwork completely free of charge. Festival costs are covered by the exhibitors, who pay a booth fee. Anything left over goes towards the Summit Arts Council budget, which in turn sponsors the Arts Alive Gallery.To add to the festivities, a tent has been set up along the river to accommodate entertainers, who will perform throughout the two-day event. This year’s entertainment was coordinated by Cecelia Eidemiller, a local professional portrait and landscape artist. In past years, Eidemiller has also been an enthusiastic Meet the Artists exhibitor.”Meet the Artists is an idyllic venue, because sales for the artists are so good and the people that attend are so supportive and eager to purchase,” said Eidemiller.

“And it’s good to see such quality work coming to a small show like this one,” she added.In addition, Arts Alive Gallery, located at 500 South Main Unit 2A LaCima Mall, is now open full-time for the summer season from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday.ShowtimeThe 14th Annual Meet the Artists Show will be held on the Riverwalk Center Lawn in Breckenridge on Saturday and Sunday, June 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Live Entertainment Schedule for Meet the Artists:

Saturday, June 24, starting at 11 a.m.11:00 Sara Schmidt, harpist12:00 Scott Howard, juggler 1:00 Leon Littlebird, Indian flute music 2:00 Maria Moley Band, folk music 3:00 Josh Galvin, acoustic guitarist 4:00 Steve Immer, vibraphonist

Sunday June 25, starting at 12 p.m.12:00 Richie and Faith, country western rock1:00 Leon Littlebird2:00 Jon Crowder, drummer 3:00 Josh Galvin4:00 The O’Smiths, Celtic music