Artist Festivals are Good Fun and Good for the Community

Artist Festivals are Good Fun and Good for the Community

 

I think we can all agree that art festivals are quaint and welcoming. The one I attended this year is called Chenango Colorscape Arts Festival. This festival is free to attend and draws 10-15,000 people to the heart of downtown Norwich, New York.

Arts are the fourth largest driver of tourism that include visits to museums, theaters, festivals, and community projects, according to Americans for the Arts.

Return on investment by a nonprofit arts and cultural organization and its audiences for an event such as this one can turn $1 dollar into a little over $9. That equates to a few full-time employment positions in the community, additional patrons at local restaurants, B&B's and hotels, utility fees, and municipal fees.

I attend this festival most years because it is fun to browse the art, to visit with my artist friends, and support the community- this year I purchased a wonderful scarf from my friend and fabric artist Barbara Wingert who has exhibited at this festival for many years.

Barbara designs hand-painted creations on silk, linen, cotton, wool and velvet into wearable fashions and accessories such as silk scarves, jackets, wraps, ties and handbags, wool and velvet hats, scarves and handbags.  

If you have an arts festival in your area, consider visiting and making a purchase; and you might even make new long-time friend. Art festivals are not only fun to attend, they are good for the community. I had lots of fun visiting my friends and seeing the art at the festival this year and looking forward to the next one.

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