The Galveston County Daily News

GALVESTON — The 12th annual Artoberfest will transform Galveston’s Postoffice Street into a lively art scene Saturday and Sunday with more than 125 artists showcasing their works.

The juried fine art festival will feature a range of media, including clay, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, pastels, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, watercolor and wood. Artists will be seen painting at their easels or working clay on a potter’s wheel.

“Artoberfest has the relaxed feel of an art stroll,” Kathy Modzelewski said in a press release. She has directed the event since its beginning in 1997.

“The artists are excited to share their work with the visitors in a unique and historic setting.”

The festival will include pastel artist Bruce Bitter, of Austin, jewelry craftsman Fred Stockbauer, of Austin, and oil painter Victor Tapu, of Houston. Galveston artists exhibiting will include Sallie Anderson and Stephanie Thomas.

A portion of the admission fees will benefit the Galveston Island Humane Society, the AIDS Coalition of Coastal Texas and Help4Galveston.

Free booth space also has been donated to local high school and college art students.

The artists will set up tents along the street, which features a host of shops and galleries.

Last year’s festival was canceled in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

“Artists and visitors are anxious to return this year to celebrate Galveston’s rebirth and renewal,” Modzelewski said.

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At A Glance

What: Artoberfest, showcasing 125 artists and artisans

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Where: Postoffice Street between 21st and 23rd streets

Admission: $5 for adults; free for children 12 and younger

Information: www.artoberfest.com or e-mail artoberfest(at)gmail.com.

Details: This year, Rachael Stegall has created a poster for sale, with a portion of the proceeds to go to the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy, www.galvestonislandtreeconservancy.org.