Arts in the Square

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The Empty Bowls event at Arts in the Square. Photo by Laura Nicolescu.

Laura Nicolescu, Co-Editor-In-Chief

In collaboration with the Frisco Independent School District, Frisco Square transformed into an outdoor fine arts and crafts gallery during the 7th annual Arts in the Square on April 2-3.

Arts in the Square is a juried Fine Arts and Crafts festival featuring over 120 of the best local and regional artists selling their handmade creations. The artists competed in the following categories: Fine Arts/Graphics, Pottery, Textiles, Painting, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Metal, Photography, Wood and Miscellaneous. Jury selection was based upon technique/execution, quality, uniqueness of work and booth appearance.

Student artwork from each traditional FISD campus was also on display. Just like professional entries, student entries were judged by a jury panel with cash prizes awarded to the winners. Amenities included $500 cash awards to Best in Show and Jurors’ Choice as well as $50 cash awards to the top 10 student artists.

Arts in the Square hosted over 25,000 visitors, who enjoyed shopping for art, listening to live music, strolling on the square while visiting each artist’s booth, making their own art, and eating at one of the many restaurants located in Frisco Square. The event also included a variety of entertainment by FISD students including school choirs, drill teams, jazz ensembles and more, ranging from elementary to high school groups.

In addition, the festival proceeds benefit local charity partners. As part of an event called Empty Bowls, approximately 1,200 clay bowls handmade by Frisco ISD art students in grades K-12 were available for a $5 minimum donation to Frisco Family Services, which helps members of our community facing hunger, homelessness and other urgent needs. The bowls were designed to serve as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world and the need to fight against hunger. The event raised over $7,000 and all the bowls made by Centennial students were sold.

The Frisco Education Foundation, which provides college scholarships, educational programs, and educator grants to students and staff in FISD, hosted a Chalk Walk fundraiser where students, families and businesses were invited to purchase a portion of sidewalk to showcase their artistic abilities with chalk drawings. A portion of the proceeds will support FISD graduating seniors pursuing a college degree in an art-related field.

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