By Stephanie Peters

September is a time for beginnings – the start of a new school year, the first days of fall and, in Boston, the kickoff of the art community’s season.

Over 85 artists from the Greater Boston area showcased their work Saturday and Sunday at the third annual Boston Arts Festival in Christopher Columbus Park.

Situated between Faneuil Hall and the North End on Boston’s waterfront, the festival attracted art aficionados and passersby from the typical weekend crowd.

Artisans manned booths along the edge of the park, displaying their craft and even selling their one-of-a-kind works. Items on display and for sale included ceramics, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, glasswork and photography.

Complimenting the visual art were several performance groups, who took to the two main stages located in City Hall Plaza and Downtown Crossing. Their music and dance were representative of both the different ethnic and cultural groups that constitute the local arts community and the varied styles of performance for which the area is known.

Groups on hand included the Boston Ballet, the Boston Lyrical Opera, Taiko Drumming, Bo Sim Mark and Zili Music.

The festival ran from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

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