WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Visitors were able to get up close with artists and their work during the Valley Junction Arts Festival on Sunday.

The Historic Valley Junction Arts Committee shifted its focus to primarily juried exhibitions of fine arts and crafts. Giving attendees the opportunity to meet artists, interact with some of the works, and purchase pieces.

“This is one of my favorite events that I do down here because it brings together a gathering place for artists and people interested in art to not only, you know, buy and purchase the art, but, you know, to look at artwork that, you know, you might not normally see in other places,” said Larry Caster, Valley Junction Events Manager. “It’s a lot of locally made, and it’s like really amazing, the talent of the local artists that we have in Iowa.”

Around 50 artists from Iowa and across the U.S. took over 5th Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Along with live music, demonstrations, and food vendors.

This event kicks off a series of Historic Valley Junction events, including Music in the Junction, Yoga in the Park, and the Farmers Market. To learn more about Valley Junction, visit their website.