Festival features art, produce

Artist Toni Quest said she felt a good vibe at Saturday's Art in the Park Festival.

"I love these people," said the painter from Peekskill, N.Y "New York is a unique place, but there's just something about this place that's just warm and fuzzy."

Quest said she made the journey to the Augusta area for Saturday's art festival at the Columbia County Amphitheater at the insistence of her manager.

She said she plans to return next year if she can.

Despite a little morning rain, Quest and about two other dozen artists showed off their wares, including oil and acrylic paintings, pen-and-ink drawings, photography, jewelry, pottery and woodwork.

The farmer's market, which will return to the amphitheater from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 17 and July 15, featured produce and indoor and outdoor decorative plants.

Though the rain canceled a scheduled performance by the Augusta Symphony Woodwind Trio, turnout for the festival and market was good, said Stacie Adkins, the community event coordinator for Columbia County's Leisure and Community Services department.

"We're very pleased," she said. "Next time we will have more produce, more vegetables; I think there is the demand."

Adkins said the invitation is open to artists to return and sell their wares at the June and July farmer's markets.

Above, Ryan Holleran, 4, of Evans, cuts some string to add to what would become an octopus windsock. At left, painter Toni Quest (left), traveled from Peekskill, N.Y., to show her work. Jessica Clark, of Martinez, watches Quest paint a portrait of a woman screaming.[CAPTION]

Kelly Pham, of Evans, holds a cantaloupe as Robert Williams, of Augusta, picks out peaches for her at the Art in the Park Festival and farmer's market.