Austin ArtWorks Festival back for its 11th year

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(ABC 6 News) – If you’re looking for something to do this weekend and want to support local businesses and artists, you’ll want to check out the Austin ArtWorks Festival.

Free and open to the public, the annual event is a celebration of the arts. More than 40 exhibitors are coming from seven different states. Many of them, have local ties to the area. In addition to the art, there’s music, authors, and of course, food.

“I think it’s really important for local artists to be able to share their work and connect with the community,” said Laura Helle, the executive director of Austin Area Arts.

“I think it’s also really important for the community. It’s important for our quality of life. It helps us attract and retain employees and it brings an economic boost to all the businesses and especially small businesses.”

Katie Stromlund is sharing her art again this year, Working with acrylic paint, you can find her in her studio during the festival over on Fourth Avenue NE.

Courtesy: Austin ArtWorks Festival, part of Austin Area Arts

“When I paint and somebody connects with the piece, it’s so meaningful when people connect with something that you’ve created,” said Stromlund.

“So having the opportunity to connect with people is a really special thing.”

If you’re looking to do some art yourself at the festival, you can pick up a paintbrush and help paint the side of the Paramount Theatre.