Saturday, May 21, 2011

CALL TO ARTISTS: 50th Annual Art in the Park Festival in Rutland

Calling All Artisans in the USA! 50TH ANNUAL ART IN THE PARK FESTIVALS

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED!

The year was 1961. John F. Kennedy was president. Princess Diana was born. Barbie got a boyfriend named Ken. Average annual income was $5735 and minimum wage $1.15. You could mail a letter for $0.04; buy a house for $12,500; or a new car for under $3,000. And, if you were here in 1961, you could also have attended the First Annual Art in the Park. A small group of
local Rutland artists had a brainstorm. let's have an art show in Main Street Park. So, with nothing more than an idea, they launched what has become a signature event for the central Vermont region.

From the original five artists, Art in the Park has grown to nearly one-hundred artisans. In 2011 Art in the Park will be held August 13-14 and October 8-9 and if you are an artisan who handcrafts unique products, there is still time to apply for space in this juried show. Don't miss out on the opportunity to participate in the 50th Annual Art in the Park, which promises to be the best ever! The Chaffee Art Center, also celebrating its 50th year, is the event sponsor.

Main Street Park is at the Junction of Routes 4 & 7 in the heart of Rutland. This major crossroads provides a significant market for drive-by traffic.Coupled with expanded outreach and marketing, we expect to see an increase in the 8,000 or so regular attendees.

This is a juried event, which helps to ensure its quality. Space will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so we encourage you to submit your application now. No applications will be accepted after July 5, 2011 for the August show or after September 5, 2011 for the October show.

Visit the Chaffee Art Center website (www.chaffeeartcenter.org) for information about Art in the Park events and to download an application. You may also call show administrators at 802.747.7900. Don't delay. Send your application today! Together, we can make the 50th Annual Art in the Park a celebration to remember!