The Seward Music and Arts Festival celebrated the end of a busy summer season with a Rockwell Kent-inspired weekend of live music and performances

After a full season of welcoming cruise ships guests from around the world, the Dale R. Lindsey Alaska Railroad Intermodal Facility in Seward shifted gears. The musical soiree brought together bands and performers from across the state including Blackwater Railroad, Medium Build, the Conway Seavey Band and Lulu Small. The music was coupled with craft and food vendors.

“This is the best of both worlds as a maker,” said Maggie Voinot-Baron of AK Macrame. “It’s a chance to have fun and share your hobby in a beautiful place with great music and lots of fun.”

The venue was transformed with a “Wilderness” inspiration from the art of Rockwell Kent — from a whale above the main stage to a recreation of “Rower.” Community members volunteered before the event, painting and decorating, and during the event.

Community organizations were also on hand to inform festivalgoers about their mission, including Sustainable Seward, who were at the event creating reusable shopping bags out of shirts donated by the Alaska SeaLife Center.

“We’re here to raise awareness,” said Lori Landstrom. “We’re here to prepare people, too, because we did just pass a plastic bag ban in Seward that will come into effect in October 2019.”

The festival spanned across the entire weekend, starting at 5 p.m. on Friday and finishing up at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Guests were also welcomed by train, with the Alaska Railroad offering a direct ride from Anchorage to Seward on Saturday morning and a return trip on Sunday afternoon.