The 46th annual Westport Fine Arts Festival is set for Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the downtown, the Westport Downtown Merchants Association (WDMA) announced.
A view of last year’s event on Main Street. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The free event is being held in partnership with the Silvermine Arts Center, the Drew Friedman Foundation, the Artist Collective of Westport and the American Society of Interior Designers, Connecticut Chapter, the announcement said.
The WDMA urged attendees to visit the Emerging Artists exhibit on the banks of the Saugatuck River on the Westport Library’s Riverwalk.
Created with the Silvermine Arts Center and the Drew Friedman foundation, the program recognizes artists at the start of their careers who are either currently enrolled in MFA programs or have recently graduated.
“The Emerging Artists Program is an opportunity for the Westport Downtown Merchants and the Westport Fine Arts Festival to support and nurture the future of the arts within our footprint,” said WDMA president Randy Herbertson.
“The Riverwalk location is another way to showcase the new library renovation and strengthen our partnership with the Library Book Sale, happening the same weekend,” he added.
According to the announcement, the winning emerging artist will receive a $3,000 grant and the opportunity to exhibit at the Silvermine Arts Center. Second and third place artists will each receive $1,000. The exhibit opens on Friday, July 19 at 5 p.m, and is available for viewing throughout the weekend, organizers said.
In addition, there will be a tent on Taylor Place featuring demonstrations and interactive projects by the Artist Collective of Westport for attendees of all ages to engage in creative activities presented by Artist Collective members.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the WDMA,” said Miggs Burroughs, one of the founding members of the Artist Collective.
“There will be five or six outstanding local artists at any one time in the tent demonstrating and teaching a wide variety of techniques with media as varied as clam shells, ceramics,murals, wire, photography, bandaids, folded paper, paint and much more.”
Through a partnership with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the WDMA is inviting local designers for a mimosa breakfast and docent-led tour of the festival Sunday morning, hosted by Williams Sonoma Westport and Connecticut Cottages and Gardens magazine.
The announcement said ASID designers can register for the event on the WDMA website. It added that 175 juried artists will exhibit in a range of categories.At Brooks Corner, child-friendly activities will be presented by the Artist Collective of Westport and Jerry’s Artorama, the announcement said.
“As Westport’s only arts organization comprised of and dedicated to local artists, we work tirelessly year-round, producing studio tours, artists talks, community engagement and pop-up exhibits to promote local talent and to encourage young artists,” Burroughs said.
There will be local food offerings, too, including Bill Taibe of Kawa Ni and Matt Storch of Match Burger Lobster, as well as kid-friendly favorites at the new shaded food court next to Vineyard Vines, organizers said.
Also, there will be festival bars throughout serving cocktails, beer and nonalcoholic beverages, plus the sounds of the United Bank Live Music Series featuring Emma Charles, Amber Anchor, Henry Jones and other local performers to round out the day, the announcement said.
For further information, visit http://www.westportdma.com.
