Georgia Southern University’s Sweetheart Circle will soon be filled with thousands of people who share a common love — art. The university’s 31st annual ArtsFest returns to campus April 6 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The free day of entertainment offers something for every member of the family, including art, music, dance and food. ArtsFest provides the opportunity for people to get hands-on and create their own art, watch performances and buy paintings, ceramics, jewelry, oil candles and more from vendors in the Artists Market which will include the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art’s Jewelry Guild and Student Art League.

“For 31 years, the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art has hosted the annual ArtsFest event to unite the community and University through art,” explained ArtsFest Director Cinnamon Dowd. “This year we are excited to offer patrons not only their favorite elements of the festival, but also to add in some new experiences.”

The Tampa Taiko Japanese drumming ensemble and a lion dancing team from Atlanta’s Chien Hong School of Kung Fu will be the headline performers adding a touch of cultural flair to this year’s ArtsFest. Dowd explained festival-goers will get a one-of-a-kind experience during these interactive and unique performances.

This year sets a new record for art stop stations. There will be 30 set up around Sweetheart Circle and  several new creative opportunities have been added. Along with traditional stations such as “paint-a-pet” and “gyatuko fish printing,” attendees will notice new activities including “athletic’s action painting,” “rocket races,” “art in the Middle Ages” and “henna painting.”

For more information on ArtsFest, visit www.georgiasouthern.edu/artsfest or email Dowd at artsfest@georgiasouthern.edu.