Regardless of the weather conditions, the lush redwood grove at Old Mill Park provides some respite. Some years it serve up dense coverage from a rainstorm, while it has supplied some protection from the heat on other occasions.
For the 2022 edition of the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival on Sept. 17-18, the towering redwoods stood tall for the art lovers attending on Sept. 18, when heavy rain at times and gusty winds made for less than optimal art loving. But because MVFAF is one of Mill Valley’s most deeply treasured events, a packed Saturday and a less-so Sunday balanced out – and the result was another beautiful event.
As always, MVAF featured crowd-drawing musical and children’s entertainment, a Saturday evening wine and cheese award ceremony for the artists, complimentary coffee and snacks for artists each morning, free parking for artists and a free shuttle bus service for attendees, a bountiful group of volunteers to assist artists, a beautiful outdoor redwood grove setting and a special Presentation Grove and Emerging Artist Grove as well as $500 Awards of Excellence to four artists who are invited back the next year.
“We are proud that our ‘little festival that could’ helps us build on some of the best elements of our local culture both past and present,” says Steve Bajor, the festival’s executive director.” MVFAF is the reflection of our community’s unique heritage and the efforts of a very creative and dedicated group of artists and community members.”
With more than 130 highly competitive fine artists from around the country representing 15 media categories including sculpture, painting, ceramics, photography, textiles, woodwork and jewelry, the event delivers, regardless of weather patterns.