The Meridian Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up for its annual Community Art Party, scheduled for Saturday, September 14th, from 9 AM to 2 PM at Kleiner Park. This year’s event marks a significant shift from its origins as a community block party, evolving into a festival aimed at celebrating and promoting the arts within the community.

Renee White, the Recreation Coordinator for special events, shared insights during a recent government meeting, highlighting the event's transformation over the past nine years. Initially designed to connect local teachers with the public, the event began attracting a variety of vendors, prompting a reevaluation of its purpose. White emphasized the need to align the event with the city’s mission and objectives, leading to the rebranding as the Community Art Party.

The event will feature a hands-on, participatory atmosphere, focusing on arts education. This year, the organizers are collaborating with over 150 local arts organizations to provide engaging activities. Notable participants include Ballet Idaho, the Boise Philharmonic Youth Chamber, and various local artists and performers.

In response to feedback from previous years, the event has been moved to Kleiner Park to enhance the experience and mitigate challenges faced in downtown settings. The organizers aim to create a family-friendly environment that encourages participation from both novices and experienced artists.

White encouraged community members to spread the word and invite local arts organizations to participate. The application process for vendors and participants is available online, and the team is optimistic about the event's potential to foster a deeper connection to the arts in Meridian.