- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Hayden Today
By the People, for the People
Art Under the Elms Festival Draws Crowds in Lewis-Clark Valley
Annual spring event features 100 artisan vendors, live music, and diverse dining options
Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:05am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The vibrant colors and creative energy of the Art Under the Elms festival are captured in this pop art-inspired illustration of an artist's palette.Hayden TodayThe annual Art Under the Elms festival is taking place this weekend at the Lewis-Clark State College campus, drawing large crowds of art, music, and food enthusiasts. The free event features over 100 artisan vendors, live performances, and a variety of dining options. Vendors, including first-time participant Melanie Jade from Redmond, Oregon, say the festival has been helpful for networking, gaining business advice, and growing their creative enterprises.
Why it matters
Art Under the Elms is a long-standing spring tradition in the Lewis-Clark Valley, providing a platform for local and regional artists, crafters, and small businesses to showcase their work and connect with the community. The festival highlights the vibrant creative scene in the area and serves as an economic driver for vendors and the local economy.
The details
The two-day festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. In addition to the 100 artisan vendors, the event features live music and a diverse selection of food options. Vendor Sharon Cruson, a sculptor from Hayden, Idaho, says the festival has been helpful for networking with other artists and gaining business advice as she transitions to making art a full-time career. First-time participant Melanie Jade, a fine artist from Redmond, Oregon, says the festival has provided an opportunity to connect with a business coach who is also an artist.
- Art Under the Elms takes place annually in the spring.
- This year's festival is being held on April 19-20, 2026.
The players
Sharon Cruson
A sculptor from Hayden, Idaho who has been sculpting for 20 years and is now making the transition to running a full-time art business with her husband, Mark Cruson, a woodcrafter.
Melanie Jade
A first-time participant and self-described perfectionist artist from Redmond, Oregon who embarked on making fine art a career four years ago after getting divorced.
What they’re saying
“This show has been really good for us. The people here are very talented and friendly.”
— Sharon Cruson, Sculptor
“In addition to talking to other vendors for advice, I have a business coach who is also an artist.”
— Melanie Jade, Fine Artist
What’s next
The Art Under the Elms festival will continue tomorrow, April 20th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Lewis-Clark State College campus.
The takeaway
The Art Under the Elms festival showcases the vibrant creative community in the Lewis-Clark Valley, providing a platform for local and regional artists, crafters, and small businesses to connect with the public and grow their enterprises. The event's longevity and popularity demonstrate the enduring appeal of handmade, locally-sourced art and goods in the region.
