GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- The 17th annual Art Along the Rogue street painting and music festival came to a close Sunday afternoon. Artists from around the country were encouraged to create beautiful images on the streets of the Historic District of Grants Pass to reflect this year's theme, 'Bounty of the County.' The City of Grants Pass' Tourism Director said the theme celebrates everything the city and the rest of Josephine County has to offer.
"Art is a big factor in Grants Pass. We have a great art community and this showcases all of that. It allows us to get the word out that Grants Pass is a great place to be and we have a rich art community," said Jon Bowen. "It's just a great way to showcase that talent and bring everyone together in just a wonderful setting."
Bowen expects between 10,000 and 12,000 people wandered around H Street to see the artwork over the weekend. Laila Dzene was one of this year's artists. She's been painting at the festival every year since it started (with the exception of one year two years ago).
"I painted a gold miner since that's how the county started," Dzene said. "Tourism and art just make the city look better. I think we need to participate in local art. I think Grants Pass is kind of known for Art Along the Rogue."
Artists know their work won't last forever. Nature (and cars) will eventually wash the paintings away and make way for more next year.
H Street will be open again for traffic at around 8PM Sunday night.