Preview: Fall in the Village Art Festival

A day featuring visual and musical artists is sure to delight the senses, and that's the plan for Freeport's Fall in the Village Art Festival on Saturday.

"We have a really terrific mix of original artists this year," said Kelly Edwards, event coordinator for the Freeport Merchants Association, which is hosting this free community event at L.L. Bean's Discovery Park.

There will be visual art in many forms to appreciate at the park. Paintings by local artists in oil and acrylics will be on display, as well as pieces by mixed-media artists. Photographers and jewelers will also have their work on display.

New this year will be an arts and crafts category.

"We felt every year there were increasing numbers of people who wanted to participate but we had to turn them away (because they didn't fit in one of the festival's categories). But this year we wanted to display more local Maine crafters and make it a more unique festival, so we added a craft element," said Edwards.

At least 100 local artists and artisans are expected this year.

Live music will be played all afternoon on the stage at Discovery Park.

The Matt Fogg Project will kick off the performances with some jazz at noon, followed by the rock 'n' roll music of the Sam Anderson Band at 1 p.m. The sounds of blues, courtesy of Rattleboxx, will take over the stage at 2 p.m., and Gunther Brown brings the Americana style on board at 3 p.m. Rounding out the performances will be singer/songwriter Sara Cox at 4 p.m.

Refreshments will also be available at the festival, thanks to the support of the Maine Food Producers Alliance. Families are also welcome to bring their own picnic lunches to the park.

And to be sure children enjoy the festival just as much as the adults, there will be a project area designed especially for them by Smudge, a local art studio for kids. The only thing needed to make a piece of art in this area is a creative spirit. Supplies will be provided free of charge.

Edwards explains the enthusiasm the merchants association has for this year's event.

"It's just going to be a great experience to have 100 Maine local artists and craftsman in the park this year. It's so beautiful. And the music. We have some amazing live performers. We're just really excited about this year's lineup."

FALL IN THE VILLAGE ART FESTIVAL
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18
WHERE: Freeport
HOW MUCH: Free
FOOD OPTIONS: Coffee By Design will have a booth as well as others from the Maine Food Producers Alliance.
PARKING: L.L. Bean campus and covered parking under Freeport Village Station off Depot Street.
DON'T MISS: The artists and the live performances.
KID-FRIENDLY FACTOR: Great
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: Rain or shine unless there are very heavy rains. Check the website if heavy rains are predicted.
MORE INFO: www.freeportusa.com or (207) 865-1212

Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram, September 12, 2010