On Saturday, Sept. 25 the Des Moines Arts Commission will host the inaugural Poverty Bay Arts Festival in the downtown Des Moines marina district from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

On the same date, the Rotary Club of Des Moines and Powell Renovations are sponsoring Poverty Bay Blues and Brews at Des Moines Beach Park from noon- 7 p.m.

For the arts festival, participating downtown Des Moines businesses marked by red and white balloons will be hosting artists showing and selling their work. A variety of mediums will be represented, including paintings, jewelry, fused glass works, face painting, photography, metal, and art made of recycled materials.

Several bands and performance artists will be staged throughout the marina district to add to the festivities.

Events commence at 10 a.m. with the dedication of Seattle artist Chandelle Anderson's mural, "Celebrating Life in Des Moines," at the corner of 7th Avenue South and South 219th Street.

Anderson was commissioned by the Des Moines Legacy Foundation and Des Moines Arts Commission to create the 32'x12' mural to honor the aging process. The piece vibrantly depicts the changing face of our community.

Visitors are encouraged to pick up a walking guide and passport listing the 28 participating host sites adorned with red and white balloons. Passports stamped at all 28 locations can be redeemed for a limited edition Poverty Bay Arts Festival commemorative magnet.

Special events associated with the festival will include the city's first Poetry Slam, hosted from noon-3 p.m. at Auntie Irene's, 22504 Marine View Dr. S. as well as several musical and performing arts performances.

Hosted by the Des Moines Arts Commission with major funding support from the Associated Students of Highline Community College, this arts festival is the first of its kind for the Des Moines community. The event is intended to establish an annual exhibit of visual and performance works by artists from Des Moines, Highline Community College and surrounding Southwest King County.

For more information about the event and participating businesses and artists, visit www.povertybayartsfestival.com.

The blues and brews event at Des Moines Beach Park, 22030 Cliff Ave. S. will feature 15 craft breweries and five musical groups. Participants are encouraged to bring low lawn chairs and blankets for the festival seating venue.

Tickets are available at Corky Cellars, 99 Bottles, Des Moines Drug Store and at www.dmrotary.org. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate.

For more information visit www.dmrotary.org.