About

The Alki Art Fair – the event

The Alki Art Fair event is West Seattle’s premier summer art showcase on Alki Beach celebrating the arts and music. This annual community Fair is much anticipated and extremely well attended by our community (over 15,000 visitors attended the 2011 Fair and over 20,000 attended the 2012 Fair). The Fair features juried art, presented and offered for sale by artists from West Seattle and other communities throughout the Puget Sound area. Bands and musicians, from the same locales, perform live on three music stages during the Fair. Art, music, and food annually draw visitors to Alki Beach Park to enjoy the Fair’s family-oriented activities on Seattle’s most scenic beach.

The Alki Art Fair – the organization

The Alki Art Fair is a Washington State nonprofit organization, whose purpose is to continue the annual community event into the future. The all-volunteer organization is operated by a Board of Directors and governed by its bylaws. The Board of Directors currently has of four members, of which three are the organization’s officers.

Board of Directors -

• Michael Galvin, chair
• Charles (Chas) Redmond, secretary
• Giovannina Souers, treasurer
• Lori Dillon, member

Alki Art Fair Executive Director

• Frances Gifford

Mission Statement

The Alki Art Fair is committed to produce and promote West Seattle’s premier summer art showcase on Alki Beach that celebrates arts and music. Our goal is to advance art education and appreciation while encouraging community involvement and cultural diversity for the community’s benefit.

History

The Alki Art Fair began under the guidance of the Alki Community Center and its advisory council. The first Alki Art Fair occurred on Alki Beach in 1997. For 14 consecutive years the Art Fair had been supported, sponsored, and operated by Seattle Parks and Recreation, Alki Community Center, Alki Advisory Council, Associated Recreation Council and volunteers. Seattle Parks and Recreation, both Councils, and Alki Community Center withdrew sponsorship in 2010/2011 due to budget cuts. Each continue to be supportive of the Fair.  A group of artists and other community members formed the Alki Art Fair nonprofit organization in the fall of 2011.  The Fair continues to be produced with the leadership and guidance of its Board of Directors and thanks to many other active volunteers.