The Art Worth Festival is underway at The Shops at Clearfork. The three-day event features local artists and live music. It runs from Oct. 23-25 and is free and open to the public.

The festival is attracting more than 100 artists, including William Armstrong, who traveled from Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is Armstrong’s first trip to the Art Worth Festival, and he hopes it is as successful as other festivals he has traveled to in Fort Worth.

William Armstrong displays his artwork at the Art Worth Festival at The Shops at Clearfork. (TCU 360/Savonna Adell)

“I wanted to be a comic book illustrator… I was just creating it for myself and sending it off. Here, I get to create and then meet the people that are taking it home,” said Armstrong.

He calls his work “fine art” and uses real life as the narrative for all of his backgrounds. He says every one of his pieces tells a unique story.  

The festival is taking place on the front lawn of The Shops at Clearfork. Along with art and music, the festival features live demonstrations such as pottery, glassblowing and stone sculpting. 

The event is being organized by the ArtWorks Foundation. The nonprofit group helps artists develop their work and provides opportunities to share their craftsmanship.

This fifth-annual festival also includes classical musical performances. This includes elementary groups, high schools and universities, along with professionals and even the Fort Worth Opera. 

“I enjoy walking around — the people are really nice. The artists are really nice,” said Jade Hensley, who is visiting from Indiana. 

Photo of Jeanne Akita and her artwork. (TCU 360/Savonna Adell)

Jeanne Akita is another highly specialized artist who has a booth at the show. She has been a full-time artist for 12 years and is based in North Richland Hills. She likes this show because she said it is fine art at its best for both artists and collectors.

“I specialize in this cultural fiber art and using natural sustainable fibers, such as wool, silk, clocks, lamps, fleece and some cocoons,” said Akita. 

Visitors can browse the artwork, watch live demonstrations and enjoy musical performances throughout the weekend. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.