"We're getting more artists every minute," said Leilani Vanderveen, chair of the Welland 150th anniversary youth committee, organizer of the event.

So far, said Vanderveen, about 20 artists with more than 100 submissions have signed up for the three-day event, taking place from May 23-25 at the Welland Youth Arena. The non-juried, open-to-all Artfest is the first of its kind for the Rose City.

There is a juried art show during the Rose Festival, but Vanderveen said this event is more about a casual sharing of expressions.

"It's open to everybody, all artists and all styles. That's the nice thing about it," she said. "There's a lot of Welland artists and there's no place for them to show."

Artwalls currently being prepared at Merritt Island by the committee will also be at Artfest, adding to the variety of work that Vanderveen says includes alternatives to watercolours and oils such as Gothic, urban art and landscaping.

Welland's giant birthday card will also be at the arena for everyone to sign, and of course a Rose City Artfest wouldn't be complete without music.

Vanderveen said CDs featuring the city's many bands will be playing during the event, which is free to attend and register.

The event opens at the King Street arena on May 23 at 9 a.m. till 9 p.m. The hours are the same on May 24 and on May 25 the doors open at noon and close at five.

Depending on the success, Vanderveen said the event could happen on an annual basis.

"Personally, I'd like to see it partner with the Rose Festival and have the art show at the arena," she said.

To register art at Artfest, call Vanderveen at 905-734-8105.