Thursday, March 17, 2011

CALL TO ARTISTS: Vendors for the 50th Annual Art in the Park Festivals in Rutland

Calling all fine artists and craftspeople! The Chaffee Art Center is pleased to announce its 50th Annual Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Festivals for 2011. The Chaffee is currently looking for vendors for the August 13-14 and October 8-9, 2011 shows. We are seeking fine art of any media and totally handcrafted items of good taste and high quality. Artisans and craftspeople who would like to demonstrate their craft are encouraged to do so as well.

In honor of the 50th Anniversary Celebration, refinements have been made to elevate the shows to become signature events for the Central Vermont area. New collaborations with local merchants, new partnerships with arts organizations for marketing and promotion, an increased number of high-end buyers in attendance, and new vendors who represent a range of quality products are exciting aspects to expect in 2011! Vendors will be pleased to know that we are convening a panel of professional jurists who are well versed in the various mediums represented. This will ensure a high degree of quality from the artisans and products that are represented at our events.


Art in the Park Festivals are held in Main Street Park, at the Junction of Routes 4 & 7 in the heart of Rutland. This major crossroads in central Vermont provides a significant market for drive-by traffic. The show already brings traffic from the Central Vermont population with the addition of the tourists who travel Route 4 and 7, with estimated attendance of 7,000 to 9,000. Art in the Park has been voted one of “Vermont’s Top Ten Events” by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, named one of the “Sunshine Artist 200 Best,” and voted Rutland Herald’s Best of the Best in the category of the Best Arts Festival.

Vendor information and applications can be printed from the Chaffee’s new website . The website will become a new tool to maintain communication with our vendors and the general public. As artisans are accepted, names will be posted on the Art in the Park information page with a link to the vendor’s website. This new feature brings added value by driving traffic to your website in advance of the shows. It’s a great reason to apply early and take advantage of this free publicity. Check out the website often for updates and new information.

Don’t delay. Space will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so we encourage you to submit your application in a timely manner. Application deadline for the August show is March 31, 2011 and August 15, 2011 for the October show. Discounts are provided if you commit to both shows by March 31, 2011. Vendors will be notified if accepted into the show(s). Together, let’s make 50th Art in the Park a celebration to remember! Visit www.chaffeeartcenter.org or call 802-775-0356 for more information.