Weir Farm National Historic Site will welcome artists, neighbors, national park lovers and visitors of all ages and experience levels to take part in the Art in the Park Festival, a free, day-long event this Friday, Aug. 25. The event is co-sponsored by Weir Farm National Historic Site, the Friends of Weir Farm, and the Weir Farm Art Center.
Beginning at 10 a.m., the event will include art demonstrations, activity stations, free-to-use art supplies, music, refreshments, and more. Advanced artists are encouraged to bring their supplies, and the park will provide supplies for those that don’t have their own. All visitors will have the opportunity to create works of art and enter the festival competition, which will be held at the end of the day at an on-site exhibition that will feature entries for viewing and judging.
Visitors will have the chance to vote for their favorite piece during the festival and help determine a winner for the Visitor’s Choice Award. Other awards will be determined by a panel of judges, and winners for each category will be announced at 5 p.m. to wrap up the festivities. A detailed schedule of activities and demonstration times are available on the park website.
The theme of the 2017 art contest is Impressions of Weir Farm. As the only national park dedicated to American Impressionism, and one that leaves an impression on everyone who visits, this year’s theme challenges visitors to create something colorful, exciting and unique based on their experience at Weir Farm NHS. Entries will be judged on the use of color, quality of work, originality, creativity and how well the work is related to the theme.
There will be a separate category for professional or advanced artists, and several categories based on age for all other entries. All winners will be featured on the park’s website and social media, and will receive an award. The winner of the professional artist category will receive the Weir Masterpiece Award and have the option to display their work at the park following the contest.
In addition to submitting works of art during the Art in the Park Festival, visitors and professional artists can enter by dropping off original artwork at the park during visitor center hours. The park will accept entries in person or by mail up to the day of the event. Entrants are asked to include their name, age, phone number and email address with each piece of artwork. Entries must be received and on display by 4 p.m. on Aug. 25 for judging. Winners will be announced at 5 p.m..
Artwork can be taken home after the event, or picked up during visitor center hours through Sunday, Sept. 17. By entering the contest, the artist gives permission for the park to use images of the work on the park’s website, social media and print media. Professional artists may request crediting or limitations on use.
Park staff will be on hand to assist artists with supplies, and a free shuttle service will be offered from overflow parking areas throughout the day.
Weir Farm NHS is located at 735 Nod Hill Rd..