“Then and Now” is the theme of the 16th Annual Vestival, South Knoxville Arts and Heritage Festival, sponsored by Candoro Arts & Heritage Center, which will be held Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the grounds of Knoxville’s Historic Candoro Marble Building off Martin Mill Pike in the historic neighborhood of Vestal. A Friday evening May 6 (6 to 9 p.m.) reception serves as the official kickoff event prior to Vestival 2016. Visitors will be delighted by the birthday theme featuring balloons and birthday cake to collaborate with the 225th Birthday of Knoxville, Tennessee. The Friday night reception features historic images of Knoxville from the local and much-beloved Thompson Photo Collection paired side by side with nowaday scenes captured by photojournalist Saul Young.

“Vestival began as a way to celebrate the rich heritage of marble artisans and sculptors who lived in Vestal and worked nearby at the Candoro Marble Company. This festival has a direct impact on Knoxville because it brings over 1,300 people together in an artistic way. Artists and musicians have always been drawn to the Vestal area of Knoxville. Everyone who attends gets a sense of the ‘Vestal Spirit’ legacy of the former marble workers and cultural renewal currently in motion. This year, we are also celebrating Knoxville’s 225th Birthday,” explains Chairwoman Sharon Davis.

Every spring, visitors flock to this wildly imaginative festival. “From acrobats and belly dancers to local cuisine ranging from Egyptian to Vietnamese, this festival is a full assault on the senses,” adds Chairwoman Davis “It’s an eye-popping experience. Spices fill the air. Festival-goers immerse in fantastic local music and local art. Anyone with an artistic spirit will appreciate seeing the architecture of Charles Barber and strolling the grounds. This is Knoxville’s premiere event for art while snacking and marveling as Dragonfly aerialists twist in the sky above, children paint, and pickers unite in jam sessions. If you are a musician, be sure to bring your instrument.”

“The historic Candoro Marble building is such an important part of Knoxville history. Every Knoxvillian needs to know that this architectural treasure is the origin of Knoxville’s famous nickname, ‘The Marble City.’”

Enjoy two stages of local musicians all day, children’s art activities, an old-timey cake walk. Mothers love the traditional Mothers’ Day brunch from 11 a.m. to noon, provided by South Knoxville farmers and Three Rivers Market.

The Friday evening reception + all day Saturday Vestival takes place rain or shine. Admission is by donation; a $5-$10 per person/family donation is requested to help support the programs of Candoro Arts & Heritage Center.

Future plans for Candoro Arts & Heritage Center include the launch of Pink Marble Trail Tours, an original idea of South Knoxville’s own Molly Gilbert. Keep an eye out for the launch of Candoro’s new mobile-friendly website, which is developed and underwritten by Slamdot.

Here is a list of Vestival Performers:
Shelby Bottom Duo
Jordan Hull
Bill & The Belles
Turn Around Norman
Paul Lee Kupfer Band
Jubal
Black Atticus featuring The Good Guy Collective
Zoe Nutt
Jack H & The Little Red Band
Cattywampus Puppet Council
Sandsation Dancers
Dragonfly Aerial Arts
KAB Fencers (fencing demonstrations)
Dancing Spider Yoga

For more information, visit CandoroMarble.org

Discover the following Facebook event pages entitled “Vestival 2016” and “Then and Now Art Reception”