Select Group of Fine Artists and Artisans to Exhibit at the 2013 Autumn Arts Festival

                                                                       The Woman                  Juanita-La Marchanta

Paintings by Armida Espaillat

Celebrate Columbus Day Weekend, October 12-13, 2013 at The Arts Center Killingworth’s FREE Autumn Arts Festival located on the Madison Town Green, Madison, Connecticut, (Boston Post Rd./Rte. 1 and Copse Rd.). This annual Shoreline event showcases dozens of fine artists and crafters with a choice few opening their private Shoreline studios to the visiting public. This year, the Festival offers returning favorites as well as new artists from various locations throughout Connecticut as well New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Artists include representational and abstract painters, photographers, printmakers, sculptors, potters and ceramicists, jewelry designers, as well as fine artisans working with glass, mixed media, fabric, and wood.

“This event is a one of the best ways to enjoy a beautiful fall weekend on the Shoreline of Connecticut,” notes Barbara Nair, Executive Director of the Arts Center Killingworth. Meeting and interacting with prominent and emerging artists while having the opportunity to collect fine art and high-end crafts, has been drawing new and, of course, returning visitors year after year. For artists, their work is exposed to a host of people who become buyers or even long-term collectors. “For instance,” Nair adds “one collector has told me that the Festival affords her the opportunity to collect a set of high-end, one-of-a-kind porcelain dinnerware over time to fit her budget.”

The Festival comes alive not only with the visual arts, but also with gourmet food options and musical performances by the JazzMan Duo and singer, songwriter and bandleader Mark Rosenberg. On the Green – itself a New England destination surrounded by both historic buildings and important modern sculpture – each visitor is given a complimentary and colorful Weekend Event Program containing valuable background information and photos of every participating artist.

“We’re almost at the ten-year anniversary of the event and it’s amazing to see how unique each year is,” Nair adds. “We’ve taken a big step forward at the Festival this year. In the past we focused more on local, Shoreline artists. Now, while many of the public’s favorites are back, there are also many new artists who were personally invited to participate based on the quality of their work. This ensures the high-quality of the work exhibited.”

Several Shoreline studios are also open to the visiting public this weekend including painters and a fashion designer. Due to the popularity and visibility of the Green, artists who have shown out of their studios in the past have requested to exhibit on the Green. Nair notes, “We love our studio artists, so we are thrilled that some are with us on the Green. But those who chose to show out of their studios this year afford the public a real treat as they may have work that does not transfer easily to such a public location like the Green.” Read more.

The Arts Center Killingworth’s Autumn Arts Festival is Saturday, October 12 (9:30am-5:30pm) and Sunday, October 13 (Noon-5:30pm). The Center's website, www.artscenterkillingworth.org, contains up-to-date information, a gallery of participating artists and a newly-released video showcasing the event. The Arts Festival is a great opportunity for adults to become more involved in the arts community on the Shoreline by volunteering during the event, and for teens to earn community service hours. For local businesses there are multiple advertising and event sponsorships levels available.

The Arts Center Killingworth is a nonprofit 501(c)3 art organization focused on the development and presentation of the visual and performing arts on the Shoreline of Connecticut. The Center supports artists by organizing exhibits and concerts and offers classes, camps and workshops for children, teens and adults, as well as ongoing volunteer opportunities to the public and advertising options for local and regional businesses.

For information call (860) 663-5593 or email artscenterkillingworth@gmail.com. Connect with us at www.artscenterkillingworth.org, facebook.com/artscenterkillingworth, twitter.com/arts_center_ct, and pinterest.com/artscenterct.