Hampden Art Guild to host festival on Sept. 18

Date: 8/23/2010

Aug. 23, 2010

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

HAMPDEN -- The Hampden Art Guild will once again be hosting the Big "H" Festival of the Arts.

This year's festival will take place on Sept.18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sept. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at and around Hampden Town Hall on Main Street. The guild is currently looking for artists to take part in the event.

As usual, those who attend can enjoy works of oil painting, watercolor, pottery, and sculpture.

"We're looking for all kinds of different artists," Hampden Art Guild member Kathy Foster said. "We're looking more for fine artisans. We're not really looking for crafty kinds of things."

Over the past few years, according to Foster, the Big "H" has expanded to include the Federated Community Church of Hampden and the town library with theater and musical performances also a part of the festivities.

"It's turned into a huge thing," Foster said. "There will be vendors outside of the church and a music program inside of the church. The library has also gotten involved in a lot of ways. It's turned into a hugely successful event."

The Hampden Lions Club, the Hampden Historical Society, the Minnechaug Regional High School Key Club, the Friends of the Hampden Library, the Hampden Garden Club, the Theater Guild of Hampden and the Hampden Cultural Council have all also supported the art show.

Those interested in showcasing their art at the event, can sign up one of two ways. Artists can contact Pat Pomeroy at 566-8628 or go to the Hampden Art Guild's Web site at www.hampdenartguild.org for a downloadable application.

The fee for a booth for two days is $50 and artists must be available both days.

All works must be original.