Artists sought for upcoming Big 'H' Festival

Date: 5/3/2010

May 3, 2010

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



HAMPDEN - The Hampden Art Guild is already making plans for its 2010 Big "H" Arts Festival, slated for Sept. 18 and 19. In the past, only artists from Hampden or members of the guild could participate in the festival; this year, up to 10 artists from outside the area will also be welcomed.

"We're doing something different," Patricia Pomeroy, chair of the Hampden Art Guild, explained. "We're opening the festival up to artists from outside of Hampden because we want more people to come. We want more friends and family to come and enjoy some fine art."

The Big "H" Arts Festival provides a place for creative locals to display fine art, from painting and sculpture to weaving and woodworking. The festival takes place on the lawn of Hampden Town Hall and Academy Hall on Main Street.

All fine art and fine craft will be accepted for jury. Only original work in design and concept by the participating artist is allowed and pieces on display must be for sale. Only craftspersons and artists who completely produce their own work are eligible. Each artist must be present during show hours on Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sept. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. The booth fee for two days is $50.

Pomeroy said by opening up the festival, more money can be raised for an art scholarship the guild plans to award to a Minnechaug Regional High School student.

"The call for artists is really open to anybody," Pomeroy said. "We have already gotten some responses."

She added that she hopes interested artists would be willing to demonstrate their work while at the festival, whether they create jewelry or carve wood.

"It's not just about attracting artists," she said. "We want to attract everyone."

The artist application deadline is July 31. The application with full details is available on the guild's Web site at www.hampdenartguild.org.