DeSoto will celebrate local creativity later this month when the fifth annual DeSoto Artist Lab Showcase Festival returns with live music, visual art, fashion, spoken word and family activities.
The free festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the DeSoto Amphitheatre and Corner Theatre, 211 E. Pleasant Run Road. Gates open at 3 p.m.
The event serves as the culminating showcase for the city’s DeSoto Artist Lab, a residency program created through the DeSoto Arts Commission to connect local artists with the community.
This year’s participating artists represent disciplines including pottery, photography, sewing and fashion, creative writing, visual arts and movement-based art.
The outdoor stage lineup includes the DeSoto Steppers, singer Linda Lee, a fashion showcase featuring work by resident artist Chelita Lenice and a performance by the Modern Cajon Jazz Ensemble.
The Rob Holbert Group is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m.
Inside the Corner Theatre, festivalgoers can attend a spoken-word competition and view works created by Artist Lab participants.
A plein-air art competition and a new lobby mural by artist Ruben Contreras are also among the planned attractions.
Food trucks, craft and artisan vendors, face painting, caricature artists, a 360-degree photo booth and family activities will be available throughout the event.
The Artist Lab program began in 2022 as part of DeSoto’s broader effort to expand access to arts programming and create opportunities for local artists to engage directly with residents.
About the Author
