Cherry Creek Art Festival returns

State of play: Five jurors were hired to help pick the finalists, Brickell tells us. The artists include 37 from Colorado, four international, and at least 53 showcasing their work at the festival for the first time.

What they're saying: "That's one of the greatest parts of the show is that all of the artists are here," Brickell tells us. "You're making a connection with someone else and taking a piece with you ... that means a lot more."

By the numbers: The artists will display 13 different styles, from ceramics to sculpture to mixed media.

The intrigue: To recognize its 20th anniversary, five people named to the festival's emerging artists program will receive a $5,000 unrestricted grant, meaning they can use the money as they wish.

• The program has supported more than 120 artists throughout the years, Brickell says. Three of the five artists in this year's class are based in Denver.

Stop by: The free festival, which takes place in the Cherry Creek shopping district, features music, auctions, seminars and children's activities. It starts Friday from 10am-8pm at Cherry Creek North.

• It continues Saturday from 10am-8pm and Sunday from 10am-6pm.