Every spring, the Woodlands buzzes with anticipation for The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. This year is especially exciting as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. Lined up along the waterway in an outdoor gallery, visitors can explore roughly 200 artists’ tents and experience the incredible variety of art offered by artists all over. Ranked sixth in the nation for ticket sales, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival features artists from Canada, Mexico, and Israel. In addition to world-class visual art, the festival boasts a vibrant lineup of performances, with over 400 entertainers presenting their own artistic expressions through music, dance, and more. Spanning 2.5 days, over 20,000 people filter in and out of the 5 various ticket booths to immerse themselves in this cultural experience. Executive Director, Jenny Carattini-Wright, describes it as “one of the best events to bring The Woodlands together”.
The festival is a true community effort, engaging approximately 35 core volunteers and between 600 to 1,000 additional volunteers from local law enforcement, homeland security, the hospital district, and the sheriff’s office. Organizations such as The Woodlands Township and Visit The Woodlands collaborate to create an event that not only enriches the community but also invests in the next generation of artists. With a mission “to create a strong and vital arts presence in the area,” The Woodlands Arts Council operates as a nonprofit, ensuring that all festival proceeds directly benefit the community.
A key focus is supporting aspiring artists in Montgomery County through a variety of microgrants such as The Dr. David Gottlieb Education Microgrant and the Artist Microgrant. Both of these grants provide students with the financial resources needed to complete their projects and further their growth in the artistic community. Another noteworthy microgrant is The Performing Arts Microgrant which has partnered with The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. As of the last couple of years, their partnership has allowed The Woodlands Arts Council to provide an upwards of $80,000 for students to further pursue their dreams within the performing arts. In celebration of the art council’s 20th year, they wanted to do something particularly special and, as a collective board, decided to create the 20 Years of Making Art Matter Scholarship of $20,000, which is awarded to one deserving student. That student will not only be awarded the prestigious scholarship, but they will have their art displayed in The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival for everyone to enjoy!
Beyond the festival, you might have also noticed the various artistic pieces throughout the Woodlands such as “Proud Souls”, the bench with wings by the library, and “Sound of Healing”, the wind chimes in Hughes Landing. These pieces are a part of the Public Art display which provides art and beauty to the community year-round.
Another truly impactful program created by The Woodlands Arts Council is the Young Makers Market which was a brand new feature as of last year, but was a smashing success! This program features artwork from students ages 8 - 18 in a one-day art festival in Market Street. Roughly 40 students participate in workshops to prepare for this day of selling their art. Students are taught how to communicate their artwork as well as the inspiration behind it. They also gain hands-on experience with logistical aspects like the loading in and out of their pieces, marketing their art, and setting prices. This program not only provides invaluable experience, but it also fosters a vibrant atmosphere where people from all over the city can come and support emerging artists as they take their first steps into the art world. Because of the community’s involvement in this festival, The Woodlands Arts Council has been able to raise over $1.4 million in their 20 years of hosting and have helped hundreds of students achieve their dream of becoming professional artists.
Each year, approximately 40% of the festival’s artists are brand new to the festival, ensuring a fresh and dynamic experience for retiring visitors. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-time visitor, make sure to mark your calendar for this year’s event! Join us for The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival from Friday, April 11th to Sunday April 13th. Tickets on Friday are $15 for general admission and $18 on Saturday and Sunday. You won’t want to miss this magical weekend celebrating creativity, culture, and community!
We believe the arts can open the doors of our minds, strengthen character, and heal the body.