More than 100 artists expected to participate.
It has something to delight any art lover. The Frederick Festival of the Arts is taking place this weekend along Carroll Creek.
"We have 105 artists," says Tammy O'Connor with the Frederick Arts Council. "Work being displayed can be anything from clay to metal, leather, mixed media, painting, photography, wood."
The Festival of the Arts will take place from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM on Saturday, June 2nd, and on Sunday, June 3rd from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM. "We do have a welcome reception for artists on Friday with the Electric Brigade Band playing," says O'Connor. There will be other musical entertainment throughout the two days of the Festival.
The Festival has been held for 19 consecutive years, according to O'Connor. "It used to be a paid event. It's no longer paid. Everyone can get in for free," she says.
Many of the artists come back to the Festival of the Arts each year. "Some artists do have a following where they may be at one show, and people really like the artwork that they're doing. So they'll get a postcard from the artist and then come here to buy," says O'Connor.
Frederick has become famous for its arts-related activities. So much so, that the Festival attracts people from surrounding jurisdictions. "We pull from Loudon County, Virginia, DC and Baltimore. I've got numerous calls that folks are looking forward to coming up this weekend, especially since the weather is going to be great," she says.
In addition, it also helps boost the economy. O'Connor says artists and visitors stay in the city's hotels, and eat in downtown restaurants and do some shopping. Saturday, June 2nd is also First Saturday in Downtown Frederick.
For more information on the Frederick Festival of the Arts call the Arts Council at 301-662-4190, or go to www.frederickartscouncil.org.
