Windham County artists will partipate in the Paradise City Arts Festival, which will enter its 25th year as a cultural, creative, and culinary destination on Memorial Day weekend, May 25–27, at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton, Mass.
Participating artists include Julia Brandis of Westminster (stained-glass lamps and panels), Caitlin Burch of Putney (handblown glass and lampwork jewelry), Allison Korn of Brattleboro (jewelry “inspired by nature”), Will Finkel of Wardsboro (wheel-thrown ceramics), Scott J. Morgan of Bellows Falls (abstract painting on canvas and glass), Stephen Proctor of Brattleboro (large-scale ceramic sculpture and vessels), Jim Schneider and Marilyn Chattin of West Halifax (functional stoneware), James Takaki of Brattleboro (metal design), and Zach Weinberg of Putney (stainless wall art and custom furniture).
They join more than 200 artists and craft makers from 20 states to show and sell original works in ceramics, painting, decorative fiber, art glass, furniture, jewelry, metal, mixed media, photography, sculpture, wearable art, and woodworking, according to a news release.
The festival was founded and is directed by artists, and more than 10,000 visitors, many traveling long distances, attend the show each year.
Paradise City's themed “Fully Engaged” exhibit assembles a colorful collection of art and fine craft designed for wedding ceremonies.
A silent auction of art will benefit the International Language Institute of Massachusetts, which provides free English classes for new arrivals from all over the world.
Workshops and demonstrations for all ages take place throughout the weekend, giving visitors an opportunity to meet the artists and talk to them about their work, as well as get a glimpse of the technique and thought process behind each piece of art.