Originally planned as a one-time event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Auburn Arts Commission, last weekend’s ArtRageous Artists in Action exhibit at Les Gove Park was such a success that organizers say it likely will become an annual event.

The fair – hosted by the Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department – featured professional artists who presented hands-on demonstrations of their work, from painting to pottery, to using recycled materials to create arts.

“People had a really great time … I think there will be another one next year,” said Maija McKnight, the City of Auburn’s visual and public art coordinator. “The booths that we were presenting were diverse and age appropriate and highlighted the art that was available.”

The event was featured by Seattle artist Susan Robb’s “Warmth, Giant Black Toobs” one-day installation.

The exhibit featured 50-foot-tall-by-30-inches-in-diameter black tubes, made of polypropylene garbage bags that are inflated with air and then staked to the ground on one end. When the air inside the tubes is heated by the sun, the tubes react much like a hot air balloon and become buoyant and rise, undulating to the rhythm of the air temperature.

In addition to providing a place for artists to showcase their craft and sell their wares, McKnight said the event also was a chance for Auburn residents to get a taste of some of the arts classes offered by the city.

“One of the goals is to promote art eduction,” she said. “A lot of the artists who did have booths also teach classes. Our hope is that a passion for art might be ignited.”

Although the event mainly focused on the visual arts, music also was featured at the event with James Wetzel presenting his “Points of Departure” music experience.

Audience members were invited to sit in one of four director’s chairs – facing north, east, south and west – and compare the differences in the listening experience while Wetzel’s three-piece band played.

“I though it was more soothing facing away,” said Kathryn Brumble, of Kent. “You can feel the music on your back when it’s playing.”

“Facing forward was almost confrontational,” said Alicia Tomlan, of Auburn.

The event wasn’t all about arts, however. On hand was Salvatore Cascone, president of the Auburn Bocce Club, who showed off the city’s bocce courts.

“It’s very nice,” Erv Roorda of Mill Creek said after playing a game against Cascone. “I wish we had one in Mill Creek.”

“I just showed up and they were here so I played a game,” Cascone added.