LOGAN – For art lovers of all kinds, the Summerfest Arts Faire in Logan is the place to be. The art fair is back this year at Cache County Event Center and Fairgrounds located at 490 S. 500 W. in Logan.
The annual summer event brings in thousands of people from Thursday, June 12 to Saturday, June 14, celebrating some of the most talented artists in the region.
The three-day event is geared for all ages during Father’s Day weekend. It is a time for people to explore the diverse world of art, walk through the shade of the trees at the fairgrounds and visit artists about their work and may purchase a piece for a gift or to decorate a space.
Shirlene Davis, executive director of Summerfest, said they have 167 artists this year, 30 food trucks and 38 performers. Some of the performers are from Cache Valley and some from the Salt Lake area. Performers will take their turn on both the indoor and outdoor stages. The entertainment is being sponsored by Cache Valley Media Group.
Trent Gudmundsen of the Preston area was selected as this year’s featured artist.
“I think it is going to be a great event this year,” she said. “We have 75 percent regional talent from Downy, Idaho to South Jordan and there are even some nationally-known artists. And best of all, it is free to the public.”
The Cache County RAPZ Tax, Logan City Cultural Arts Grant, and others have made Summerfest free to the public.
“We have a special group from a master’s piano class at Utah State University that will perform for us,” she said. “There will be one piano and class members will play something. The students come from all over the country.”
For young artists there is a Rising Stars category for children 16 years and under as well as a Plein Air Paint Out and Photography contest. Registration is tonight, Friday, June 6, at Champ Roost located at 69 E. 100 N. in Logan.
Families and children can enjoy quality time at the Creation Station to make imaginative projects.
This year’s featured artist is Trent Gudmundsen of the Preston area. He began oil painting at the age of 14. Gudmundsen was too busy painting to go to school and forge his own artistic path. He is married to Lorajean and they settled on the Idaho side of Cache Valley.
Gudmundsen’s work has been recognized with top awards on a national level including at the American Impressionist Society National Exhibition (New York, NY, 2019), two Oil Painters of America National Exhibitions (2003 & 2009), and the National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society’s “Best of America” Exhibit (2019). Trent and Lorajean and their six children live in Idaho in a farmhouse with his art studio attached to the back of the house.
Summerfest Arts Faire cannot happen without volunteers, and they are always looking for people to lend a helping hand. Both individuals and groups are welcome.
White Pine Lonesome will play at Summerfest on Saturday June 14, at 2:15 p.m.
The setup day is on Wednesday, June 11. Festival hours on Thursday and Friday will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., while Saturday’s schedule is set from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Most volunteer shifts require a minimum commitment of two hours.
They are hoping some people sign up for multiple shifts, whether consecutive or spread out over two or three days. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old to participate.
They will accept volunteers that are 12 years old if they are accompanied by an adult supervisor.
For more information about the event, visit logansummerfest.org.