Rain doesn't keep art lovers away from Artsplosure

Over the course of the weekend, thousands of people came out to the festival and, whether they were artists or novices to the art world, the festival was a true representation of the love of art in the city of Raleigh.

“I’m an avid art person. I’m an artist myself,” said Holly Springs resident Nadine Goldsmith.

With paintings, masks and even puppets, there was a little something for everyone at Artsplosure.

“Our intentions were to play golf and tennis, but this is something we won’t have the chance to do again and we want to come down and spend a few hours to see the event,” Baltimore resident Russ Hines said.

Hines, who came all the way from Maryland, was certain not to leave the event empty-handed.

“I got a special bottle of wine I’m going to drink next Saturday and this is what I’m going to cap it with,” Hines said.

Hines wasn’t the only one doing a little shopping. Goldsmith came to take in the art and walked away with a henna tattoo.

“I was looking for an ankle bracelet, couldn’t find one, so bam, I got one,” she said of the temporary tattoo. “It’s going to last a few weeks.”

In all, there were more than 170 visual arts and crafts exhibitors from across North Carolina and the nation at the event.