For a wood burner and wood carver, being back in Glenn Otto Park for an annual arts festival was literally a breath of fresh air.

This was Jon Callahan's fourth year running his booth — T-Rexx Studios — at the Troutdale Arts Festival, though he was quick to add that after two years of COVID cancellations, this time it felt like new.

"This is such a great community, I love seeing the other artists' work," he said. "Being out in the sun and celebrating art — you can't beat it."

There was plenty for Callahan and hundreds of visitors to marvel at during the 2022 Troutdale Arts Festival, held Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22, at Glenn Otto Park, 1106 E. Historic Columbia River Highway.

There were paintings, jewelry, photographs, novels, pottery, clothes and mixed-media work, all nestled beneath the trees in the park. In total, the festival brought together more than 70 juried artists, and there was food, beer and wine, kids' activities and a silent auction to raise funds for festival producer Cascadia Arts Association.

"This is a nice place for a festival. It's good weather, and kind people," said Sean Sturtevant, who showcased his colorful creations at A New Dye for the first time at the Troutdale festival.

Another newcomer was Joachim McMillan, who creates original, textured oil paintings using a pallet knife.

"I've been wanting to do a local show," he said at his booth, Mozayic Art.

It has been a while since the festival has been held. It was formerly called the Fall Festival of the Arts, but was rescheduled last September during a flare of COVID cases.