Jim and I have attended the Chester Art Festival for three years running and we have been impressed with the quality of work that each artist brings to the festival; as well as, the village of Chester.  We recommend this event to art lovers and travellers.  Below you will find more information about this year’s event.  Be sure to stop by, you will not be disappointed.

Chester Art Festival August 8 – 16

Born as a street fair almost a decade ago, the Chester Art Festival is back again this year, bigger and better than ever.  The Festival, a highlight of the summer season in Chester, kicks off with an exhibition called A Work in Progress, showing August 8th to16th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Chester Art Centre, 60 Queen St. in Chester.  It celebrates the many achievements of the CAC (over 100 classes and lectures offered throughout the Municipality of Chester last fall and winter alone) with a showing of creative works by our students, children, seniors, past exhibitors and instructors.

Participating artists include NSCAD teacher and painter Heather Sayeau, Chester artists Dolly Hancock, Malcolm Callaway and Dawn Harwood-Jones, knitting wizard Lucy Neatby, as well as multi media artist and one of the founding mothers of the CAC Beverley McInnes. Best of all, it’s free admission to one and all.

Also happening on August 8th, Kids Make Art, where children under 12 get to construct fun and fabulous masterpieces at various stations under the great big tent in the Art Centre’s back yard.  All sorts of fun here, from 10 in the morning until one in the afternoon.  Kids can basket weave, mould clay, create a self-portrait, decorate cupcakes and much, much more. Face painting, snacks and music, too, as well as Allan Carver, the Happy Bubble Man, making gigantic bubbles that could carry you away.  $10.00 per child or $25.00 per family with the option to pre-register.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Rain or shine!

Then on Saturday, August 9th, it’s the Chester Art Fair.  Free for all from 9 am to 3 pm, scores of artists and artisans from Chester and beyond will be showing and selling their wares under tents large and small as well as bright red umbrellas. Artists include jeweller Victoria Bell, ceramic artist Alex McCurdy, batik specialist Rosi Robinson, fabric artist Laurie Swim, and painters Pat Christiansen and Collen Gallaway.  And bubble guy Allan Carver will be on hand to bring out the child in everyone with his amazing creations.  There’ll also be a range of artist demonstrations as well – wood-carving with George Hoskins, rug-hooking with Sheila Barrett and Sherry Chandler, and spinner Rosemary Landry.  There’ll be music from Hank Middleton and the Collage Trio, a silent auction, and yummy treats from Julien’s café, too.

For detailed information and to pre-register for Kids Make Art call 275-5789 or drop by the Chester Art Centre at 60 Queen St. Chester.

For more information about  Chester  check out the Wikipedia article.

Judy Hardiman