The only works of art the first settlers could bring themselves to create were tapestries of crushed mosquitoes. Admire more than the slapping abilities of early Americans with today's Groupon to the Bayou City Art Festival in Memorial Park from Friday, March 26, to Sunday, March 28. For $35, you get VIP admission to all three days of the event ($30), as well as an EZ Rider pass for the shuttle ($20), two non-alcoholic drinks ($2 each), and an official festival poster ($20), up to an $74 total value. The festival gates open for the running of the artists every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This outdoor gallery features work by 300 artists in 17 mediums, including brisket, with the downtown skyline serving as a backdrop. This year's featured artist, Vic Lee, defies categorization or easy interpretation, blending religious narrative with dark colorations and demure, distorted figures. There will also be ongoing events, including music and dance provided by the Houston Arts Alliance, an interactive creative play zone for children, and a plethora of wine cafés and restaurants to pique what few senses remain untouched by art.

Since there's no public parking at the festival, catch the free shuttle from one of two pickup locations. Your EZ Rider pass allows you to cut through the line like a lightsaber through camembert cheese and hop right on the shuttle.

You must pick up your three-day pass at the Art Colony Association office between noon on Wednesday, March 24, and 5 p.m. on Friday, March 26.

Reviews

AmericanStyle magazine lists Bayou City Art Festival as one of the best fairs in the nation, and the Houston Chronicle's blog Shop Girl recommends the jamboree:

• The festival is an excellent place to find unique pieces to accessorize both you and your home and includes furniture, sculpture and paintings, plus jewelry, leather luggage, cloth purses and other hand-made must-haves. – Joy Sewing, Shop Girl