BY KEEGAN PROSSER

Bellevue Arts Week returns to downtown July 27, 28 and 29 with the annual joint art festivals hosted by the Bellevue Arts Museum, The Bellevue Downtown Association and the Craft Cooperative of the Northwest. A staple of the Pacific Northwest arts community, Bellevue Arts Week is expected to bring more than 300,000 visitors through the Eastside this summer. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect this year:

ARTSfair:

In its 66th year, theBellevue Arts Museum’s ARTSfair will feature 300 nationally-recognized artists, with work ranging from traditional to contemporary, touching on 14 different mediums, including silver jewelry and wooden sculptures. Featured exhibits include the annual “Chalk It Up” street art on Northeast Sixth Street, live music inside Bellevue Square and glass blowing demonstrations at the “Arts In Action Stage.” Following in the tradition of Suzanne Tidwell’s interactive installation last year, this year’s festival will feature a unique display by artist Carl Spool. Spool’s bamboo and silk wrap installation will be located near the fountain outside of Macy’s, where attendees will get the chance to meet Spool and interact with the art. While the craftsmanship-focused ARTSfair is known for its selection of high-end pieces, a wide variety of art, ranging in price, will be available for purchase.

Bellevue Festival of the Arts:

The 28-year-old festival features 200 artisans, musicians and craftspeople from the Northwest and beyond. Located outside of the Cost Plus World Market north of Bellevue Square, the Bellevue Festival of the Arts is created by artists, for artists. In addition to paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramic and jewelry, the fest also includes a wide selection of international cuisine and local music acts. This year’s event will also include metal-working artist Stephen Bruce, who will be on-sight to show his large, bold abstract pieces. Known for his unique sculptural work and Indian influences, local ceramic artist Charan Sachar also returns to the fair for his second year. A portion of the proceeds made at the Festival of the Arts will be donated to charities of the artists’ choosing.

6th Street Fair:

Organized by the Bellevue Downtown Association, the 6th Street Fair is the youngest of those making up Bellevue Arts Week. Known for being a bit more friendly on the wallet, as well as its hometown feel, this year’s fair will feature 120 artists, with mediums ranging from baskets and beadwork to paintings and pottery. Like the ARTSfair and the Festival of the Arts, artists selected for the 6th Street Fair participate in a rigorous selection process that entails a full review and analysis. Jurors looked for originality, craftsmanship, market appeal and overall booth appearance.