There will be so much to experience on the three blocks that make up the Golden Fine Arts Festival that it will be like a living slide show of amazing art.

That's what jewelry designer Rocky Stiers thinks.

“Everyone brings their A-game,” he said. “It's definitely a world-class show.”

Stiers, of Nederland, in his 12 year of participating in the festival, always looks forward to being with the best of his peers. Each artist, he said, brings his or her most interesting and innovative work — all original.

The Golden Fine Arts Festival takes place Aug. 20 and 21 in historic downtown Golden. The two-day festival will feature more than 130 artists who are juried in nine media categories, including 2D art, photography, sculpture, glass, fiber art, mixed media, jewelry, painting and ceramics.

“Having such a variety, in itself, is exciting,” said Barb Ludwig, one of the festival's committee members, with 17 years of experience.

But other factors that makes the festival attractive are the free admission and different price points for artwork.

“Most people will be able to find something ... they can afford,” Ludwig said.

And the festival's other attractions also are not to be missed, said Leslie Klane, the Golden Chamber of Commerce's president.

Both days will have a live music stage, a corporate trade show area and free art activities for children, plus food vendors, complementary water and two locations to purchase wine and locally brewed beer.

Jesse Crock, a painter from Golden, looks forward to the festival every year because it gives him an opportunity to display his newest work. But he also likes it because he gets to connect with a large variety of people.

One way he does this is by doing live painting at the festival.

It “allows people to see how I create,” Crock said, and provides an opportunity to talk to them “about the artistic path.”

People really enjoy engaging with the artists, Ludwig said.

“It makes a purchased piece of art more valuable and personal,” she said, “because you've had a chance to talk to the creator.”

The festival probably attracts at least 35,000 people into Golden during the two days, Klane said.

Because it's nestled in the heart of the Golden community, art lovers and buyers, and festival-goers in general, tend to enjoy the whole experience, she said.

“The beauty of the Golden Fine Arts Festival is not only the quality of art featured,” Klane said, “but (also) the beautiful city which hosts it.”