The Public Arts League of Salado (PALS) will hold the annual fundraiser Taste of Salado on April 25 at the Venue in Salado.

The event will be preceded by three days of public art in action as well as ticketed events, collectively known as “Immerse & Emerge.”

The entire weekend will benefit PALS and its mission to support public art and artists.

Three Texas-based stone carvers, including Bob Ragan of Texas Carved Stone, will participate in a stone carving competition beginning on April 23 on the grounds of The Venue next to Salado Creek.

Larry Hullum, also of Texas Carved Stone and Matt Johnson of Bartlett Stone Company will demonstrate the ancient art beside their mentor as they participate in the friendly competition.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, visit with the artists, and watch them work. The artists will be working through the day on April 23, 24 and 25.

The sculptures, including the winning piece, will be auctioned at the Taste of Salado April 25.

Artists in Action will be working throughout town all weekend. Visitors can stroll through the Village, stopping at specific galleries and locations to see the artists working and visit with them about their processes and techniques.

With the support of several sponsors and a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA), PALS will present Blue Lapis Light, the world-renowned aerial dance troupe on April 24. Blue Lapis Light was introduced to Salado last summer to much acclaim. Local Alderman Hans Fields said that last year’s performance was one of the best things to happen in Salado in years.

This year’s performance will be a new work by Director Sally Jacques that will last 45 minutes. The ticketed event has limited seating, so early reservations are encouraged. Tickets are available here. General Admission is $19.95. Premium is $29.95.

The Taste of Salado will be the weekend’s culminating event on April 25.  Ticket holders will enjoy to a “taste” of the culinary and fine arts communities of Salado. Twelve local restaurants and establishments including Salado Vintage Cakery & Bistro, Salado Creek Winery, and The Shed will be highlighted during the evening. A selection of  works by local artist will be on display. The evenings highlight will be the silent and live auction.

George Vaught of Vaught Auctions, of Austin will be the auctioneer for the evening. Vaught is a skilled, dynamic, versed fine arts auctioneer and will keep the auction competitive, moving, and entertaining.

Tickets for the April 25 Taste of Salado can be purchased on the Eventbrite website as well for $29.95 or at the Salado Tourism Office beginning April 6 for $30. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $35.

A special package for the Immerse & Emerge weekend event is also available for the arts connoisseur.

The Collector’s Weekend Passport with Progressive Dinner can be purchased online for $199.95. This passport includes a four course progressive dinner on April 24; a special meet-and-greet with a Blue Lapis Light dancer that evening; a hand-blown, limited edition tumbler from Salado Glassworks; general admission to the Blue Lapis Light performance April 24; and admission to the Taste of Salado on April 25.  This Passport (a $250 value) is recommended  as a way to experience the Immerse & Emerge weekend to its fullest.

PALS has partnered with Blue Lapis Light and the Salado I.S.D. to hold a free Blue Lapis Light Children’s Workshop on in the school gymnasium on the morning of April 25. After taking your children to the Blue Lapis Light performance on  April 24, you may want to take them to this is opportunity to let them experience this art form in a hands-on environment. Blue Lapis Light dancers will demonstrate and teach participating children during two workshops. Children ages 6-12 can sign up for the 10-10:45 a.m. time slot. Teenagers ages 13-18 can participate from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Only 50 kids will be allowed per age group to ensure safety and a full experience. This is a free event, but reservations are necessary. Reservations will only be accepted on the “Blue Lapis Lights Children’s Workshop” Facebook Event page created by the Salado Chamber of Commerce. Parents are asked to attend to monitor their children.

The three-day event is supported by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts as well as several local sponsors including, The Venue, The Sanctuary, Century 21 Bill Bartlet Real Estate, First State Bank, Raney & Associates Real Estate, First Community Title, and Salado Glassworks.