Nearly 70 artists will sell their wares this weekend at Art in the Park. Organized by VACI Partners, the arts and crafts show will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in Miller Park.
Mostly local artists, from within and around Chautauqua Institution, will display their work. Some of the artists are professionals, others are students, and for some, art is “their passion and their hobby,” said Margaret Dietly, the show’s organizer.
Items for sale include ceramics, paintings, Chautauqua-themed trinkets, pieces made of upcycled materials, homemade soaps, beach glass, lawn sculptures, hand-dyed silk clothing, embellished handbags and hand-stamped metal jewelry. Those are just some of the “very clever crafts” that Dietly said will be on display.
She estimated that Art in the Park has been happening at the Institution for about 20 years. Due to its popularity, the show expanded to happen twice a summer – a second show will be held Aug. 6.
“People will come to me and say, ‘It’s my favorite arts and craft show of the entire season,’ ” Dietly said.
Any artist who pays the entrance fee, which supports scholarships for students at VACI’s School of Art, can sell at the show. Between the two summer shows, Art in the Park usually raises approximately $10,000.
Several of the artists showing have displayed their work in years past. Dietly said they have loyal followings.
“It’s a very familial feeling show,” she said. “The artists love for you to talk with them. Ask them about their crafts. Ask how they came up with ideas. Ask them about their pottery techniques. They love to interact with people who come to enjoy the show.”
