The hills of the Boston Mills Ski Resort aren’t only slopes for the thick of winter. When its emerald emulates in the warmer months, the acreage is home to the renowned Boston Mills Artfest, which is returning this summer for its 50th anniversary at the end of June.
Attracting a crowd of more than 10,000, this juried show spends two weekends presenting 18 mediums, including acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings, sculptures, ceramics, 2d and 3d mix-media and computer art.
“In the early days of Artfest, only a handful of mediums were present,” says Emily Martin, Director of Communications for Vail Resorts. “It emphasized painting and trades such as woodwork, leather and basket weaving. Today, the Artfest continues to promote the art scene’s shifting trends by incorporating digital works to ensure a well-rounded and fully represented show.”
Cuyahoga Valley National Park will be compact with creativity as it welcomes 300 artists from 34 states. June 28-30 and July 5-7 will showcase 150 vendors each, offering unreplicated weekends of art. Tickets are being sold for $11 in advance and $15 at the door. Attendees can peruse displays, interact directly with the artists and enjoy live music from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.
“This year we’re excited to offer a giveaway that allows each attendee an opportunity to win a free piece from one of the selected artists,” says Martin. “We’ll also have a selfie station for sharing 50th-anniversary photos on social media.”
If you don’t want your favorite art pieces to be snatched before you see them, a Preview Night Party will be held from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on the Fridays preceding the Artfest weekends. For $99, this includes first access to the art available for purchase, three drink tickets, hors d’oeuvres, live music and buffet catering, in addition to admittance to the general vendors for the following two days.
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