ArtFest is Sept. 17 at the University of Mount Union

Staff report

ALLIANCE

Vendor registration is now open for the 52nd annual ArtFest sponsored by the University of Mount Union and the Alliance Chamber of Commerce.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17 at the historic location by the Campus Lakes.

Last year’s event, which hosted many vendors and 3,000 visitors, proved to be one of the most successful of the past 50 years, according to a news release.

The event is scheduled in conjunction with Family Day and the Mount Union versus Marietta football game.

The ArtFest committee is looking for fine art in the traditional and modern media (i.e. watercolor/acrylic (under glass); oil/acrylic (without glass); collage, graphics, drawing, pastels, sculpture, painting, ceramics, print making, photography, etc.); and functional craft that has a specific utility yet is creative either in its purpose or aesthetic appearance (i.e. jewelry, fiber, woodworking, glass, enameling, mirrors, purses/bags, soaps, candles, lights, tables, mirrors, etc.).

The event will feature artwork that is both on display and for sale.

Booth fees are $40 from Monday through Sept. 16. Booth fees will be waived for junior vendors ages 12-18, or vendors enrolled in college. Registration the day of the event is $50 per space.

Cash awards and ribbons will be presented to the top artists in each category (fine art and functional craft), as well as a Best of Show.

This year’s judge is Jamie Kirkell, an artist who specializes in large floral paintings, fine art hand-painted silk scarves and printed fine silk scarves.

A Taste of Alliance will also feature Alliance-area restaurants and caterers selling food and beverages for visitors to enjoy as they browse. The event will include local musical entertainment from Alliance and Mount Union.

For information, contact Bob Buganski at 330-829-6185 or bugansr@mountunion.edu, or register online at www.mountunion.edu/artfest-registration.