Gavin McKeon plays with drumsticks at the Jam Siouxland display during ArtSplash at Riverside Park in 2016.
Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal
Poppin' Penelope makes balloon animals during 2016's ArtSplash at Riverside Park.
Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal
Jewelry maker Annette VanMeter was an exhibitor at 2016's ArtSplash.
Justin Wan, Sioux City Journal
Paul Imholte performs on his violin Saturday during 2015's ArtSplash at Riverside Park in Sioux City. In addition to entertainers like Imholte, attendees will see the work of several exhibiting artists during the two-day festival held by the Sioux City Art Center.
Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal
People view art displays during ArtSplash at Riverside Park in Sioux City on Sept. 5, 2015.Â
SIOUX CITY | Art can be a part of an gallery but it can also be enjoyed in a much more natural setting.
The 24th annual ArtSplash will be coming to Riverside Park on Sept. 2 - 3 for a show that celebrates the Midwest art scene.
"It'a misconception that planning ArtSplash occurs a couple of moths ahead of time," Sioux City Art Center development coordinator Erin Webber-Dreeszen explained. "Instead, we begin the planning process immediately after the last one."
A veteran of the past six ArtSplash festivals, Webber-Dreeszen said it is very important to evolve and change to keep things fresh.
"We still have a great reputation in the exhibiting artist community all across the country and that is very important to us at the Art Center," she said.
Art shows are also an important way for artists to showcase their work.
"For the exhibiting artist community, having access to festivals is essential to finding an audience for their artwork," Webber-Dreeszen explained. "This has changed slightly in recent years with the advent of social media platforms like Etsy and Pinterest, but there is still the need to experience art in a setting where you can take it all in and be with the actual artwork."Â
OK, let's talk numbers. How many artists exhibit their work at ArtSplash and how many people attended the two-day festival. If 2016 is any indication, there  are a lot of art lovers out there.
"Last year, we had 83 exhibiting artist and an estimated attendance of 15,000 festival guests," Webber-Dreeszen said. "Every year, we are grateful to have that many people spend their Labor Day weekend with us. If there's anything the Art Center knows how to do, it's celebrate."
For a sneak peak at the 24th annual ArtSplash, taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 2 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 3 at Riverside Park, 1301 Riverside Blvd., go to Siouxcityartcenter.org/artsplash.Â
Paul Imholte performs on his violin Saturday during 2015's ArtSplash at Riverside Park in Sioux City. In addition to entertainers like Imholte, attendees will see the work of several exhibiting artists during the two-day festival held by the Sioux City Art Center.
