Dunwoody to host arts festival

Need a place to take your special lady on Mother's Day? The Dunwoody Arts Festival will come to town on May 12 and May 13.

The family-friendly event offers a little of everything, say organizers. Instead of traffic on Chamblee Dunwoody Road, a market will spring up for the weekend featuring scores of top artists and artisans who work with clay, glass, who hand make jewelry, turn wood or sculpt with metal.

The event drew an estimated 70,000 festival goers last year and earned a nod from the Southeast Festivals and Events Association in 2010 - its first year - as the "Best New Event."

For kids, a local favorite artists' organization, the , will help coordinate imaginative games and crafts. There will also be rides and funnel cake.

There are other ways to get involved besides going to the festival. Organizers are looking for volunteers to help run this year's event. The setup and breakdown of the artists' display, hospitality and artist staging are open - and it's a chance to meet some interesting people, organizers say.