Spring Branch Education Foundation introduces Running for the Arts 5K and ArtFest in 2017

After 24 years, Running for the Arts is on the move. It’s not only changing locations, it also has a new name.

On May 3, 2017, when runners of all ages gather to enjoy an invigorating 5K and the opportunity to support fine arts field trips for SBISD students, they’ll be waiting for the starting pistol at the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum. Spring Branch Education Foundation, Running for the Arts’ host, thinks that’s a fitting way to celebrate the event’s 25^th anniversary.

“For more than two decades, Running for the Arts has raised money for our students to travel throughout Houston to enjoy world-class performing and visual arts,” said Cece Thompson, SBEF executive director. “This year, we’re also celebrating the fine arts within our school district and community. We’re moving to the museum and changing the name to Running for the Arts 5K and ArtFest.

“The museum is a gem, and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase it. Running for the Arts has always been a community festival, now it will also be an arts festival. All the district’s fine arts programs – visual arts, music, theater and dance – will participate. You might even see our culinary arts students.”

Community artists and artisans will be involved too.

“We are proud of our art and artifacts from around the world and the local flavor our art students and local artists offer,” said Leann Newton, co-curator of the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum. “We’re excited to work with SBEF to create a true arts festival. We invite artists and artisans to join us. We expect lots of booths where artists will display and sell their works, and we encourage them to donate to the silent auction that will ultimately benefit SBISD students.”

A silent auction will include artwork from students, teachers and local artists. The art will be displayed in the museum’s galleries the week before Running for the Arts 5K and ArtFest and culminate at the event.

So what can the community expect?

All the traditional favorites: a competitive 5K, a 5K walk, a Kids 1K, awards in all categories, lots of student and family participation, kids activities, performances throughout the morning and opportunities for sponsorships. And plenty of new features: food trucks offering breakfast, brunch and lunch; local artists and artisans displaying their works for participants to ooh, ahh and buy; performances by garage bands. All in all, a community festival that’s growing into an arts festival.

“Community members are going to have a great time,” Thompson said. “Save the date! Come out to support the arts and enjoy the morning.”

Running for the Arts 5K and ArtFest is Saturday, May 6, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. All events, including packet pickup, will take place at the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum, 901 Yorkchester, on the campus of Westchester Academy for International Studies.

Proceeds will benefit the SBISD Fine Arts Department for fine arts field trips, the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum and the Health Fitness Teachers Association, whose members help organize the run.

To register for the run, to get involved as an artist or to volunteer, visit www.springbrancheducationfoundation.com beginning Feb. 3.