Event will take place outdoors at the New Hope-Solebury High School on Sept. 28 and 29
NEW HOPE — The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce’s president, Connie Gering, has announced the dates for the 20th anniversary of New Hope’s juried Arts & Crafts Festival.
The festival, sponsored and run buy the Chamber, will take place outdoors at the New Hope-Solebury High School on Sept. 28 and 29. Hours will be: Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The festival will feature over 200 artists and is expected to draw more than 20,000 art patrons.
The combination of the 20th anniversary and a new Chamber president has resulted is the discovery of some “interesting, artistic history — jumpstarting deeper inspiration and ideas for the festival,” said a spokeswoman.
”You’ll always hear me say New Hope is the ‘Jewel of the East Coast,’ especially when referencing the Arts and Crafts Festival, our largest fundraiser. Even though I’ve worked as a volunteer for years with the Arts and Crafts Festival, I find with my new role as Chamber president, there’s plenty to still explore — that’s where talking to as many townspeople as possible is not only enjoyable, but invaluable. They’re the real heart of the success here in New Hope,” Ms. Gering said.
”When planning the celebrations for our 20th anniversary initially, this prompted the question that didn’t seem to be common knowledge. How did the festival truly start and become the huge success it is today? All my community conversations and my desire to learn more about the festival roots is what led me to veteran business/restaurant owner, John Larsen from John and Peters,” said Ms. Gering.
”John was married to the late Robin Larsen, a local, arts treasure and founder of the New Hope Arts Center. Interestingly, this dynamic business and artistic couple set out together 20 years ago to help develop what’s now known as one of the largest Arts and Crafts Festival of the East Coast.
”For decades, many visitors, business owners and residents have known this town as a true artist haven, but Robin was known for inspiring our artistic community and bringing it to new, creative heights.
”As soon as I discovered from John’s stories that Robin really was the creative spirit behind this festival, I gained not only a deeper appreciation for the festival, but inspiration for our artists as well,” said Ms. Gering, who’s looking to increase the judging power and artistic experience of the festival by searching for new, additional judges, — adding to the existing volunteer base, along with initiating other fresh and innovative ideas.
”When I was first approached by the Chamber to start the festival back in the 90s, Robin and I made sure we were very selective in choosing artists. We had to screen over 450 submissions and narrow them down to only 30 artists. We knew the quality of art was key to attract the right audiences to this festival and to our town.
”From what I see, the Chamber still is selective, setting high-standards for submissions, but right away when I first met Connie, I suggested tapping further into the caliber of artists right here in our backyard for potential, additional judges. I knew Connie wanted to take the festival to even higher heights; this is something I know Robin would have wanted to see,” said John Larsen.
Artists’ submissions are being accepted until Aug. 25. Artists are pre-screened and selected through a formal submissions process by the handpicked Chamber Arts and Crafts Festival committee members.
Local and out-of-state artists will present and promote their oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, sculptures, photography, jewelry, ceramics, glass and wood works and unique drawings.
A select panel of judges will select first-, second- and third-prize winners for the categories: fine art, photography, crafts and jewelry. A “Best in Show” also will be chosen. Over $3,000 in prize money will be awarded to the winners.
Visitors will be treated to live music and guests are encouraged to dance. Additionally, there will be a food court with a variety of treats and a convenient, complimentary shuttle service from festival grounds to New Hope’s Main Street, providing patrons multiple experiences at various gift shops and restaurants throughout Historic New Hope.
For more information about the Arts & Crafts Festival and artist submission details, go to www.NewHopeArtsandCraftsFestival.com.
Visit the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce website for more information at www.VisitNewHope.com or call 215-862-9990.