Ali Rogers consults with Helen Primack on which felt plush to purchase at Art in the Park July 5 in Miller Park.
JENELL TAYLOR
Staff Writer
Friends of Chautauqua Visual Arts is gearing up to host Art in the Park, its second and final art fair of the summer season, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in Miller Park.
Chautauquans inspect artwork for sale in Miller Park.
For those who missed the droves of Chautauquans who gathered for the first fair in early July, FCVA extends a warm welcome to any and all interested parties.
Art in the Park is an annual open-air art fair that showcases artwork by members of the local community, School of Art artists-in-residence and artists from surrounding areas such as Pittsburgh and Buffalo, New York.
Ellie Nickeson, chairperson for Art in the Park, is particularly amped for this event, as she is serving her final year on the FCVA board.
“We’re really looking forward to hosting the artists and vendors, and [we] encourage people to come down and support the local creators who work so hard to get ready for this,” she said.
Nickeson also noted that FCVA will have their own tent this year, and guests shouldn’t be shy in stopping by to say hello, suggesting potential art vendors or inquiring about the mission of FCVA.
“We love it when people stop by and talk to us about what we’re up to and maybe share names of vendors that might be interested in the future,” she said. “We’re there to interact with the community as well.”
The event is always held Sundays when admission to Chautauqua Institution is free, allowing FCVA to continue sharing the joys of creation with an audience that reaches far beyond the Institution gates.
Proceeds from artists’ entrance fees are pooled to support exhibitions at Strohl and Fowler-Kellogg Art Centers, as well as to fund scholarships for the SOA artist residency programs.
The fair will host approximately 70 local and regional artisanal vendors, some of whom have traveled hours to showcase their craftsmanship. FCVA emphasizes the importance of man-made creativity, and all items for sale are handmade by their respective vendors.
Attendees can peruse a plethora of goods, including — but not limited to — ceramics, paintings, fine jewelry, embellished handbags, pet treats and hand-dyed silk clothing.
In addition to the sale of physical artwork, the fair hosts entertainment in the form of a jam session beginning at 1 p.m. This year, FCVA is supporting local favorite Thursday Morning Brass as they aim to raise funds of their own.
“They’re raising funds for music scholarships for folks who come here under the auspices of our music education program,” Nickeson said.
Nickeson said FCVA hopes Chautauquans will gather once more in support of the arts for the final Art in the Park of the season. The shared efforts of vendors, artists and entertainers enrich Chautauqua’s artistic culture and demonstrate the importance of unity through art.
Rainfall during Art in the Park is always a possibility, but Nickeson’s glass remains half full. “We go on, rain or shine,” she said. “Put those umbrellas up and come see what you can find.”
