Inaugural art festival set for Tuesday

CLOVIS — About seven years ago, Staci Manley came to eastern New Mexico with goals of getting a degree in elementary education. But her passion for art was unsatisfied, and she eventually changed her major and parlayed her education into an at-home graphic design business.

After living in Clovis for a few years and noticing there was no opportunity to be in an art show, she decided to start one. A few months later, Hillcrest Park is set to host the inaugural Under Over Art Festival.

The free event will run from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the park. So far, 17 artists are on board. They’re mostly local, Manley said, but a few are coming from Albuquerque, Roswell and Las Cruces.

“It’s something that’s come around through my business,” Manley said. “My mission as a graphic design business is to help support families and people interested in the arts. That’s my way of giving back to the community, through my own passion.”

The event will also have food and beverages vendors, along with a beer garden.

The artists cover various mediums, from paints and woodworking to digital arts and photography. Space will also be available at the park for audience members to make their own art with painting activities and sidewalk chalk.

There will also be a belly dancing show and classes for both yoga and zumba.

“It isn’t specific to fine arts people,” Manley said. “It’s also performing arts people, and it’s mind, body and wellness.”