The 2011 Poverty Bay Arts Festival will highlight the talents of local visual and performance artists particularly from Des Moines, Highline Community College and surrounding Southwest King County at multiple Des Moines locations on Sept. 10. The Des Moines Arts Commission, the Associated Students of Highline Community College, and 4 Culture sponsor the event.

The exhibition runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the downtown Des Moines Marina District. Artists display their works at various local businesses so festival-goers have the opportunity to enjoy great art while checking out the offerings of local businesses.

The arts festival attracts several thousand attendees due to the added bonus of two other events scheduled on the same day: The Des Moines Waterfront Farmers' Market as usual is in the south Marina parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The second annual Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival sponsored by the Rotary Club of Des Moines from noon until 7 p.m. at Des Moines Beach Park is at the north end of the Marina. A Silent Arts Auction also takes place at the Odd Fellows Hall, 730 S. 225TH St. The auction opens at 10 a.m. and bidding ends at 3 p.m. Musical entertainment and refreshments will be available during the auction. Finally, a Poetry Slam at Barnacles Restaurant, 22636 Marine View Dr. S., goes from noon to 2 p.m. First prize is $75, 2nd prize $50, and 3rd prize $25.

More information can be found at www.PovertyBayArtsFestival.com