The 17th Annual Rock Island Arts Festival took place Sept. 26-27 in downtown Chickasha, celebrating diverse artistic media and encouraging a deeper appreciation for the arts within the community.

The variety of art was a central highlight of the event. Vendors displayed and sold jewelry, baked goods, wood carvings, books, quilts, guitars, and other unique items. Each booth was welcoming, with vendors eager to showcase their craft and catch the public’s eye.

Among the artists was Connie Rish, who has showcased at four past Rock Island Arts Festivals. Rish’s paintings bring the environment and wildlife to life from her unique perspective.

“Something in nature catches my eye and I enlarge it to bring it to a person on a more intimate level,” Rish said.

Handmade jewelry was another staple of the festival, with pieces ranging from wire-wrapped designs to engraved works, each crafted with care and creativity. The craftsmanship extended beyond jewelry, with everything from quilts to guitars made from storage tins, as well as books presented directly by their authors.

Vendors often shared the long learning processes behind their creations and businesses. Wildhorse Canyon Farms, a family-owned wine company, offered tastings and insights into their winemaking process.

“Ready for a great crowd!” associates of the company said.

Food trucks and live music performances added to the vibrant atmosphere, offering a wide array of tastes and sounds to complement the visual arts.

The Rock Island Arts Festival once again proved to be a lively celebration of creativity, bringing together artists, vendors, and community members to fill Chickasha’s streets with art, food, and music. An event sure to inspire for years to come.