by Srianthi Perera – Jun. 18, 2012 10:13 AM The Republic | azcentral.com

The Islands, which is known for its community Easter-egg hunt and lighted boat parade, is turning its attention to fine art.

The master-planned community in Gilbert will hold its inaugural festival, Islands Art in the Park, Nov. 3 and 4. Organizers are inviting artists to participate in a juried fine-art and -craft show and planning a classic car show titled Islands Cars in the Park.

“It’s a vision this community has had for a long time: to bring artists together as well as hold other activities to begin to build an art community in Gilbert,” said Michael Fleming, vice president of the Islands Homeowners Association.

The community hopes to attract about 5,000 people for the family-oriented festival. It also hopes to get about 40 artists from across Arizona and beyond, and has registered in ZAPP, a central website that enables artists to apply online to multiple art shows.

“We see this as something we’ll be building over the years,” Fleming said. “We think, over time, this could become a cornerstone event in Gilbert to bring the community together and to bring people from all over.”

Since it’s a juried show, not all artists applying may get to show. “It’s fine art and fine craft, so no reproductions,” said Ginny Gapen, community association manager. “That’s one of the differences that separates us from, like, a flea market.”

The targets are up-and-coming artists “who really see the future, but have probably not been going for 20 years to all the art festivals in the United States,” Fleming said. “A lot of those folks are probably higher-priced and booked for the year. We’re looking for people who have very high-quality stuff, but they’re just kind of getting going.”

Organizers have established a $2,600 budget for the festival, which is non-profit, and are looking for sponsors.

Gapen said the Islands’ first venture to attract people outside the community has a two-fold purpose. “It’s to establish a signature event for Gilbert, but also to promote the Islands as a wonderful place to live,” she said. “We really feel that our area is affluent; they have the taste and the want and the desire for that.”

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