Dowell, MD – It has been a late September tradition in Southern Maryland for over 20 years. The 2015 edition of the Artsfest Fine Arts Festival at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center in Solomons is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20.
According to a press release from the sculpture garden, “Artsfest 15 is a family fun weekend of fine art shopping, live music, delicious food and drink, wine and beer, free children’s activities and more—all set amidst the lovely trees and artwork of Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center on Dowell Road.”
Over 160 artists, mostly from Maryland but hailing from 13 other states—including Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee and Montana—will be participating.
“Artsfest is a juried event, which means artists must submit an application that includes a description of their work, their creative process, and images of their work,” explained Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center Marketing and Development Director Bill Stevenson. “Selection is then based on craftsmanship, originality and display. Because of the competitive nature of the process, we cannot accept every artist who applies. We seek out the best of the best, with a goal of presenting a wide variety of artists, styles, media, and price points.”
More than 220 artists submitted applications this year.
Stevenson told The BayNet that Artsfest 15 will feature about 25 bands, many of which will be first-time event performers. Two of the acts are appearing at the festival thanks to a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Maryland State Arts Council. They are The Lovejoy Group, described by Stevenson as “a versatile, energetic jazz, funky blues and smooth Latin rhythms” band; and The Eric Byrd Trio, “who provide a broad, rich traditional jazz.”
The musical acts will perform at the main stage tent and the garden’s Council Ring. Several “strolling” performers will provide continuous entertainment.
The children’s activities scheduled for Artsfest 15 will be taking place inside the Discovery Tent and Zany Zone. Additional venues for creative free play include Fairy Lolly, the Studio School and the Children’s Garden.
Artsfest always yields an impressive crowd and 2015 could be the biggest ever. “We expect more than 12,000 to attend Artsfest this year,” Stevenson stated.
Event parking is always free. The admission price is $6 per person. Children 11 years and younger are admitted free. Admission is also free for Annmarie Garden members. Stevenson reported that there are a number of $1 off coupons available in school flyers, print ads as well as on the Artsfest web site page.
Several food vendors, many of them local, will sell their works in the field of culinary arts at the festival should you get hungry.
Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. It’s just a 60 minute drive from the Washington, DC. The facility is located on Dowell Road, just off Route 2/4 in Solomons.
Can’t make it to Artsfest? There will be ample opportunities this fall to enjoy this amazing local venue. One huge event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24. It’s the annual Halloween in the Garden, a daytime trick-or-treating parade. Over 70 community organizations and businesses are involved in the festivities, which will be held, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the garden is just $1 per person.
For more information on all events and activities at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center, visit their web site at www.annmariegarden.org
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
