Frederick’s Carroll Creek Linear Park scene will be all abuzz this weekend with the return of the Annual Frederick Festival of the Arts. A tradition 31 years in the making, this year’s event will take place on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Made possible by the Frederick Arts Council, the organization maintains its mission for advancing and investing in a vibrant and cohesive arts community for the people of Frederick County and its visitors. In addition to this event, they are at the helm of many other townwide happenings, including Art in the Park (an annual art-themed night at the ballpark), various public art events and activities for children and adults alike, and so much more. They’re also responsible for that impressive Sky Stage—a large-scale public art installation and outdoor amphitheater that plays host to a profuse array of events throughout the year.
The Frederick Festival of the Arts, in particular, is one of their most eagerly anticipated presentations and a real crowd pleaser to boot. It is the ultimate all-in-one exhibition of amazing artistic abilities, featured as a free, family-friendly event and a versatile craft market showcasing more than 100 juried artists from around the region and beyond.
Categories by which works are featured range in everything from clay works, digital artwork (any manipulation—photography, collage, etc.), drawings/graphics/printmaking, fiber (wearable and nonwearable, baskets, rugs, paper, and collage), glass, jewelry, mixed media (including sculptures), paintings, food and drink artists, photography, candles/soaps, and wood. Click here for a full listing of this year’s lineup of participants.
In addition to artist exhibitors, various area partners will set up information booths for folks to learn about the unique services and businesses they provide.
There will also be an array of activities provided by various sponsors and attendees. Delightful offerings from past events have included onsite pottery and glass-blowing demonstrations, woodcarving, interactive car art, and more.
Families with children, take note, there are always plenty of kids’ activities provided and family-fun zones with all-age endeavors. The C. Burr Artz Library, adjacent to Carroll Creek, presents numerous hands-on art activities for children and adults alike, including art displays from local school children and live entertainment. The Little Gym of Frederick Experience will be available in the Community Room, offering those ages zero to 10 a great place to take a break with families in an air-conditioned setting. Additional endeavors can be enjoyed via the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center.
Frederick Festival of the Arts is a treat for attendees of all ages and interests. Discover more about this weekend’s offerings and the Frederick Arts Council in general (and all other upcoming events) on their website at www.frederickartscouncil.org.