PORT GAMBLE — The fields created paint strokes and the buildings dimension on the canvas of Port Gamble, which was brightly tinted at every corner with art. Flowing through the varied artwork, thousands of people took in the different colors and textures, appreciating or criticizing the displayed items.

For visitors and artisans, the 47th Annual Kitsap Arts and Crafts Festival July 28-30 provided a unique venue in which to present different paintings, sculptures and photographs for viewing. Vendors, with their own arts or crafts for sale complemented the show with their own shades. The music and food were also added strokes to the weekend.

“It was a huge success,” said festival board president Yvonne Cartwright. “The weather cooperated, and we only had four complainers out of 120 vendors.”

The thousands of people who attended the festival were able to enjoy all forms of crafts during the show. The $2 for parking seemed little to pay for the end result and benefited the Kitsap Arts and Crafts scholarships. But what really contributed to this cause, Cartwright said, were the vendors’ fees.

“We make most of our money on the craft vendors,” she said, adding that though the parking contributed $3,000, which is enough for one and a half scholarships. Vendors help keep all of the other funds going. The festival, while not overly sponsored she said, still had three major supporters, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, the Poulsbo Noons Lions and Costco, with each group donating $1,000. Kitsap Transit also donated shuttle services, looping to the event about every 10 minutes.

Out of town vendors agreed that the event was well worth the trip.

“I’m doing well,” said Gig Harbor vendor Kate Larsson, who was peddling her watercolor paintings and prints. “I’ve been doing this for six years now, and I really enjoy all the people. You start to get to know the regulars after you’ve been doing this for a few years.”

Blending into the vendors were those interested in the arts and crafts available. They seeped into Port Gamble’s canvas, bringing the festival to life with conversation and laughter.

“The day is fantastic and the event is well organized,” said Bow resident Alta Krutcher with a huge smile. “I’m definitely having a great time. There’s a great selection here.”

She wasn’t alone in her opinion as many others from different areas painted the landscape as they ate, drank, listened to the live music and checked out the art show.

“It’s very nice,” said Maryland resident Rose Dubina. “I’m just looking around, appreciating the art and jewelry.”

The gray sky seemed to blend in with the white of the tent tops, causing visitors to throw cautious glance upward. But the clouds were appreciative of the art as well, and primarily kept the rain to themselves.

“We got drizzled on a few times, but that was it,” Cartwright said, adding that it was nice and cool, perfect art browsing weather.

“It’s a nice crowd and nice weather,” said Kitsap Arts and Crafts worker Cheryl Lannoye, adding that while the crowds were smaller Sunday than they were Friday, those attending kept telling her what a great time they were having.

“We’re having a good day,” said Kingston resident Nancy Holt.

“I like the food,” said her 10-year-old daughter, Sarah, as she munched on the last of her Pad Thai.

“Her aunt has a booth here, so we came to visit,” Holt said.

The weekend blended into a fabulous collage of people, complementing the art nicely, Cartwright said.