Opening at 10 AM are approximately 40 artist booths, who will offer a variety of fine art, including oil paintings, watercolors, jewelry, ceramic pieces, woodwork, and photography.  "We are always very fortunate to have some of the top artists in the area participate in this event," said Greg von Schottenstein, Special Events Supervisor for the City of Sparks.  "This wonderful spring event provides the community with a terrific opportunity to spend part of their day shopping for unique, original pieces of art while strolling in a scenic atmosphere," concluded von Schottenstein.

 

As an additional source of inspiration, Arts in Bloom will again feature a celebrity painted-plate auction to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation, Northern Nevada Affiliate.  The public will have the chance to bid on plates from well-known figures such as Linda Ronstadt & Ann Savoy (recording artists), Steve Carell (The Office), Darius Rucker (Country Star and former lead singer of Hootie & The Blowfish), Kate Jackson (original cast member of Charlie's Angels), Shannon Bahrke (Vancouver Winter Olympics Mogul Bronze Medalist), Christopher Knight & Adrianne Curry (My Fair Brady), Deana Carter (country star), Irma Thomas (Queen of New Orleans Soul), Julianne Hough (former Dancing with the Stars dancer & country singer), Rosanne Cash (country star), Lauren McIntosh (visual artist that paints custom artwork for Rosanne Cash), Ann Meyers Drysdale (Women's Basketball Hall of Fame member), Mindi Abair (saxophonist), Tia Kratter (Shader Art Director for Pixar Animation Studios), Paul Kratter (California landscape visual artist), KTVN's Kristen Remington & Wendy Damonte and Alice 96.5's morning show's Bill, Connie & Trey.  Other auction items will include signed artwork from the legendary Red Skelton and a signed banner from American Idol Finalist Kimberley Locke.    

 

R & B artists Escalade will perform from 10 AM – noon.   Beginning at 11 AM, Vancouver Olympics Bronze Medalist and Turin Olympics Silver Medalist Shannon Bahrke will sign autographs to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation.  The celebrity painted-plate auction will start at noon.  This year's headline performer is American Idol season 2 finalist Kimberley Locke, who will be joined by American Idol Associate Musical Director Michael Orland.  Locke finished 3rd in the competition and is releasing her new single "Strobe Light", produced by American Idol's Randy Jackson, this month.  

 

The Arts in Bloom Festival, presented by State Farm Insurance, is free and open to the public.  Additional sponsors include Camelot Party Rentals, The Playful Potter in Sparks, The UPS Store, John Ascuaga's Nugget, Edward Jones Investments, Dr. Thomas Basora D.D.S., Independent Power Corporation, The Biggest Little Cake Shoppe, Reno News & Review, Americom Broadcasting/Reno Radio Reps, and KTVN Channel 2. 

 

For more information, call (775) 353-2291 or go online to www.sparksrec.com.