The Wickford Art Festival returns to Wilson Park for its 61st annual celebration. This year’s festival promises an immersive experience of art, culture, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. This annual event supports the Wickford Art Association’s mission dedicated to promoting the arts in the community – specifically through its scholarship program that awards Rhode Island high school seniors pursuing higher education in the art field. Read more about this year’s scholarship award recipients and details on the event in the new festival digital magazine.
From Saturday, July 13 to Sunday, July 14, with new hours from 9am-4pm, the festival will transform the easily accessible Wilson Park within the charming and historic Wickford Village, into an open-air gallery.
The field converts into a bustling hub of artistic expression, as the festival hosts a carefully curated selection of juried fine art by 200 renowned artists from across the state of Rhode Island and country. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of mediums including ceramics, wood, wearable and decorative fiber, furniture, fine jewelry, drawing, etching, glass, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, pyrography, and sculptures.
Artists will be traveling from near and far to showcase their work. Some have participated in the event for over 20 years, while 55 artists will be making their debut. Legacy artists include Rick Yetra, an oil painter from Mashpee, MA will be making his debut, while his mother, Betsy, showcased her work at the festival back in the 60’s. Nancy Bryant, a fine jewelry artist from Elizabethtown, PA will return for her 4th year, as her grandmother Ella Rex Price was a watercolorist who exhibited at the festival and served as president of the Wickford Art Association in the 70’s. Other new artists making their debut include vibrant encaustic paintings by Chelsea Villegas of New Jersey, to intricately crafted medal sculptures by Jeff Whittum, a RI native who currently resides in East Kingston, NH. Rhode Island artists making their debut at the festival include Eric Sturtevant, who is known for his captivating illustrated children’s books, will be featuring his original watercolor, ink and pencil illustrations. Look for Providence based glass artist Christopher Belleau at this year’s festival, many may remember had a gallery in Wickford for several years before opening a gallery on Wickenden Street and is now in his studio in East Providence.
In addition to welcoming new artists, the event is proud to showcase the return of veterans whose work has become synonymous with the event’s legacy of excellence. North Kingstown native fine photographer Cate Brown will return with her iconic vibrant ocean and outdoor pieces. Long time festival artist, Flo Kemp, who travels from NY state and specializes in soft ground etchings will be in town, along with her daughter Karen Kemp who does incredible monotype prints will also be returning this year after a brief hiatus. Look for fan favorite painters of classic New England scenes and fields of poppies by Carlos Rios. Come meet Judith Secco who returns with her stunning fine photography, award winning acrylic painter Bruce Dumas who exhibits in fine art festivals across the country, and fine ceramic artist Jillian Barber of Jamestown with her enchanting portrait masks and mythical creatures.
“This event not only celebrates the talent of established artists but also serves as a platform for emerging creatives to showcase their work. It’s also a testament to the power of art in bringing the community together.” says festival director, Ainslie Daly.
Admission to the event is free, with a suggested $10 donation for parking at Wilson Park, Wickford Middle School, and First Church of Science. Free public parking is available in lots on Brown St. and Main Street, along with open street parking. A complimentary shuttle will run from parking lots at Wickford Middle School, First Church of Science, to Wilson Park & Brown Street in Wickford Village thanks to the North Kingstown Rotary.
Stop by the Wickford Art Association information booth to purchase one of a kind festival apparel including an event poster featuring work by North Kingstown artist Jodi Manca or enter to win a piece of art while supporting the scholarship raffle. Enjoy some of Rhode Island’s best food trucks – Sunset Farm, Gansett Poke, Newport Chowder Company, Sam’s NY System, Mumsy’s Ice Cream, Little B’s BBQ, and Kettle Corn Express. Cool off with a famous Del’s Lemonade or get your coffee fix from local expert roasters North Koffee.
In addition to the awe-inspiring artworks on display, attendees can look forward to a dynamic lineup of entertainment and activities for all ages. Follow the scenic Bush Hill Trail that will lead you to explore your own “Path to Creativity” and create your own peace flag with the Eco-Land Art Project. Further down the trail you will find live music by local artists at 11am, 1pm & 3pm brought to you by the North Kingstown Arts Council. The trail brings you right to the First Baptist Church of Wickford where they’ll be serving up their legendary strawberry shortcakes along with more family fun, crafts and entertainment all weekend. Just steps away you’ll be in the center of Wickford Village filled with historical colonial homes, breathtaking harbor views, unique boutiques, waterfront restaurants and quaint cafes. Check out the new “Wickford Makers Market” featuring Rhode Island made goods in Updike Park and in front of select shops. Author Cathy Breese will be reading her children’s books at 1pm daily.
For a full artist exhibitor list, event map, new digital magazine and more information visit our website www.wickfordart.org
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About Wickford Art Association:
The Wickford Art Association is a non-profit organization with approximately 500 members from Rhode Island and across New England. The association hosts art exhibits, classes, lectures, and workshops in its North Kingstown gallery and has produced the summertime Wickford Art Festival since 1962. Wickford Art Association is dedicated to educating, encouraging and inspiring artists and art lovers throughout the community. For more information, (401) 294-6840 or visit wickfordart.org.
