Spring Awakens Ashland for the 2025 Art in the Park

Spring Awakens Ashland for the 2025 Art in the Park

Gideon Thompson

The Ashland Beacon

Spring is in the air, filled with the wonderful aroma of blooming trees, freshly cut lawns, and a park alive with daffodils eagerly awaiting their turn in the new year. The changing seasons bring a renewed sense of life to Ashland, Kentucky—particularly in Central Park, where a freshly filled canopy reminds us that the time for festivals and events is upon us.

Whether you're out for a casual stroll or simply taking in the local scenery, there may be no better place than downtown Ashland. Within a single loop around Central Park, one can be fully immersed in natural beauty and splendor. Towering tree lines stretch higher than buildings, and a tranquil pond teeming with aquatic life invites peaceful reflection. What better time of year to appreciate the aesthetic charm of our city than during the transformation of the seasons?

This year, Central Park will once again serve as the scenic backdrop for Art in the Park 2025, hosted by the Ashland Kentucky Area Artists (AKAA). The first installment of the event is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, and will take place behind Crabbe Elementary School and the Boyd County Library. The exhibition runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering ample opportunity for guests to explore and enjoy the art on display.

The 2025 showcase promises a diverse collection of creative work, including oil paintings, acrylics, wheel-thrown and handmade pottery, pastels, sketches, drawings, and digital art. Returning artists include Heather Mains Art, Era Photography & Art, Pig Pen Studios, Pondhawk Pottery, Josh Perry, and Addison Accord, all confirmed to participate in this year’s event. Several other artists have been invited and are working diligently to join the celebration.

While live musical entertainment has not yet been finalized, the AKAA is inviting acoustic musicians, theater troupes, and writers to join the event and contribute to the lively, creative atmosphere. This spring celebration is a perfect fusion of visual and performing arts, welcoming a variety of talents to help kick off the season.

Concessions for the 2025 Art in the Park are currently being booked and will be set up on-site once confirmed. For those looking to explore local flavors, numerous restaurants are within walking distance of Central Park. Visitors can enjoy everything from well-established burger joints and pizza parlors to sandwich shops, taquerias, and homestyle cooking—something to satisfy every craving during a day of art and exploration.

Anyone interested in participating as a vendor for this year’s Art in the Park can register by contacting Michelle Alford-Tyler at michellesgeekery@yahoo.com, or by reaching out through the AKAA Art in the Park Facebook group. We hope to see you there!Art in the Park will be held twice this year—Saturday, May 31, and again on Saturday, October 4, both from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the same location behind the Boyd County Library and Crabbe Elementary.

Attendees are encouraged to check the weather before arriving, as this is an outdoor event. Springtime in Kentucky is known for its surprise showers and blustery winds—the same ones that help bring us the stunning blooms we cherish each year.