22nd annual event reliable for diversity of artwork and demonstrations
Something for everybody – for any nature lover, for any art lover. Geauga Park District’s Nature Arts Festival is known for every variety of fine arts on display and for sale by regional artists. Every member of the family, every friend leaves refreshed and inspired in some way.
Come out to Geauga County for the 22nd Annual Nature Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday, August 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The West Woods.
This popular, free, indoor/outdoor festival features an entirely nature-focused juried art show; for-sale art by more than 50 regional and national woodcarvers, painters, potters, jewelry-makers and other artisans at a variety of price ranges; food catered by The Reserve House at Little Mountain Brewing Company (Mentor, Ohio; opening in Fall 2013), ice cream and nuts by Nick Reiter; and kettle corn by Class Kettle Corn (Linda and Lou Tarasco); all-day entertainment by the Western Reserve Artist Blacksmith Association; and free parking.
“I am very pleased with the quality and diversity of artwork this year,” said Teresa Runion, special events coordinator. “Equally exciting are the demonstrations and workshops that will be offered throughout the weekend. Everyone is invited to enjoy the make-n-take workshops, chalk art station and artist demonstrations. There will be many opportunities for artistic expression that weekend!”
Visitors, totaling more than 2,000 last year despite morning rain and heat, enjoy voting in a People’s Choice Competition and entering a raffle, sponsored by Geauga Park District Foundation, for a realistic painting courtesy of the 2012 Outstanding Booth/Display Award, Chandler Beatty from West Middlesex, Pennsylvania. Raffle tickets sell for $2 or three for $5.
Indicative of the popularity of the People’s Choice Competition, last year saw more than double the number of entries, up to 125 artists.
Geauga Park District is grateful to Valley Arts Center and Fairmount Center for the Arts for sponsoring afternoon art and craft activities for the kids and young at heart! A “Wild Hat Workshop” will be offered by Geauga Park District volunteers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, as well as a Chalk Art Station (weather dependent). Murray Hill Artists will be paining “en plein air” in the park throughout the festival, so plan to take a short walk on a trail to view masterpieces in the making.
In addition to the activities above, demonstrations and make-n-take workshops will be offered by artists and local organizations throughout the weekend. See schedule below:
Saturday, August 3
- 10 am – Noon Rock Painting Workshop – Make-n- Take – Free! – Jayne Guy
- 11 am – Noon Sgraffito Demo/Workshop – Make-n-Take – Free! – RobinAnne Ralls Payne
- Noon – 1 pm Creations in Copper & Brass Demo – Timothy Martin
- 1 pm – 2 pm Onondaga Indian Culture – Interpretation Through Original Paintings – Eli Thomas
- 2 pm – 3 pm The Beauty of Wire Working in Jewelry Demo – Barbara Colin
- 3 pm – 4 pm Acrylic Painting Demo – Barbara Yoxall
Sunday, August 4
- 11 am – Noon Acrylic Painting Demo – Barbara Yoxall
- Noon – 1 pm Creations in Copper & Brass Demo – Timothy Martin
- 1 pm – 2 pm Onondaga Indian Culture – Interpretation Through Original Paintings – Eli Thomas
- 2 pm – 3 pm The Beauty of Wire Working in Jewelry Demo – Barbara Colin
- 3 pm – 4 pm Rain Barrels 101 – Geauga Soil & Water Conservation District, Gail Prunty
If Nature Arts Festival is not enough to satisfy you need for good art, for more enjoyment, on Sunday, August 4, also visit the 33rd annual Chardon Arts Festival on Historic Chardon Square.
This year’s Nature Arts Festival is sponsored by The News-Herald and Renewal by Andersen Windows. The West Woods, a 900-acre park with miles of hiking trails, is at 9465 Kinsman Road (Rt. 87). The festival is entirely wheelchair/stroller accessible. As needed, a free shuttle will run from ASM at 9639 Kinsman Road.
Visit this site for a complete schedule of workshops and demonstrations and, the week of August 5, this year’s People’s Choice award winners. Call 440-286-9516 with questions.
Geauga Park District is online, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
