Arts & Leisure
Art in the Park promises fun for all on Sept. 16
YORK HARBOR - Every September, two Saturdays after Labor Day, a lovely, quiet, sheltered greensward in York Harbor called Moulton Park (many think it's Harmon Park, but it's not) suddenly sprouts dozens of tents, canvas flies and pavilions where scores of artists present an amazing assortment of works of art and craftsmanship for a single day.This is Art in the Park, sponsored by the York Art Association - conveniently located just across the street from the park - and past participants are quick to point out that this event is a whole bundle of fun.
This year, which marks the 13th of these happy annual extravaganzas, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16, beginning at 9 a.m. If the weather does not cooperate and that day brings September showers, Art in the Park will be moved to Sunday, Sept. 17.
Over the past dozen years, this exhibition/sale has grown in size, depth and quality.
The show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the approximately half-acre of lawn included in the park. Organizers promise the quality will once again be high, noting the event is a twice-juried show, once by the York Art Association, which reviews each artist's work prior to his or her inclusion, and again by a jury of those public supporters of Art in the Park who buy a purchase award voucher in advance of the show.
The voucher gives a patron the right to select from among works each artist has entered into the program - in effect offering them for sale for the voucher. Those works must have a value at least equal to the purchase award stipend, which is set this year at $300. However, usually the designated items are worth well above the stipend amount.
The selected works remain on display at least through midday, and are marked with a "Purchase Award" ribbon for the artist.
The entire program is a win-win phenomenon for both the collector and the artist, both of whom are recognized, according to the YAA.
The show is also reported to be a favorite among collectors due to the size of the show space, the opportunity to talk with the artists themselves and the variety of the show, which presents potters, etchers, photographers, sculptors, giclee printers, jewelry-makers and artisans in glass, metal and wood, as well as painters in oils, pastels, watercolors and acrylics.
While the artistic offerings promise something for everyone to feast their eyes on, there will also be ample food and beverages for sale.
Co-chairmen of this year's event are Rick Hennessy and Paul Gustafson, whose wives just happen to be busy and successful artists and members of the York Art Association. And since this is the YAA's 50th anniversary, you may anticipate that this year's Art in the Park will be the biggest and best yet.
For more information about the exhibition and the purchase award program, contact Rick Hennessy at rhenness@maine.rr.com or 363-4014.
