An innovative, exciting cultural experience, Arts Trek combines an arts festival with a performance showcase. Anchored at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, this free, family-friendly event is an arts adventure for everyone!.
During the festival, local artists and crafters display, demonstrate, and sell their artworks. Visitors engage in free hands-on art activities (including a collaborative community artwork) sponsored by local organizations and businesses. A variety of featured performers, bands, dancers entertain visitors in the theater, in the gallery, in the courtyard, and on an outdoor stage. Food vendors offer a variety of appetizing treats and Oklahoma wineries present tastings of area wines.
Arts Trek began in 2010 as a collaboration between the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art and several community organizations. Due to the success of the first festival, it became an annual event. Arts Trek is intended to promote the arts in Shawnee and Oklahoma; to provide an educational, entertaining activity for adults, students, and families; and to encourage community collaboration. Annually, an estimated 3,000-4,000 people attended Arts Trek. This event is not a fundraiser for the museum.