Jenell Taylor
Staff Writer
Friends of Chautauqua Visual Arts brings the community together once again at the annual Art in the Park art fair. Occurring twice throughout the summer, the first event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Miller Park.
Art in the Park showcases a collection of art by Chautauqua residents, artists-in-residence from the School of Art and artists from surrounding areas such as Erie, Pennsylvania, and Buffalo, New York.
This year, over 70 local and regional vendors will make their way to Chautauqua Institution grounds to proudly showcase their craftsmanship with a myriad of handmade goods. Chautauquans can browse pottery, accessories, photography, lawn decorations, paintings, soaps, trinkets and much more during the event.
Ellie Nickeson, chairperson for Art in the Park, is serving her fourth and final year on the board for the event and is ecstatic for Chautauquans to experience what’s in store.
“We are pleased that this tradition continues and know how much the community enjoys browsing the many vendors and shopping for one-of-a-kind treasures,” she said.
Proceeds from the entrance fees paid by artists goes toward a scholarship for the CVA residency program.
In addition to displaying an array of art, the fair will also host live entertainment in the form of a jam session — previously known as open mic — for Chautauquans to enjoy. This year, local favorite The PonTunes will take the stage from 1 to 2 p.m.
Patrons can recite poetry, dance, perform music or stand-up comedy during the jam session, and can register ahead of time at art.chq.org under the “Events” drop-down menu. FCVA asks that musicians bring their own instruments if possible.
The fair will also serve as promotion for FCVA’s next fundraiser, “Party on the Quad.”
“Party on the Quad” is a fundraising event held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 29 in the Arts Quad. Attendees can mingle with lovers of art and bid on original pieces, Amphitheater performance tickets and more. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at art.chq.org. Proceeds go toward supporting the School of Art.
“We look forward to another successful event this coming Sunday,” said Nickeson.
