(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bridget Favre for the information in this story.)
River Gallery directors, Patti Schwarz and Deborah Greer, took an innovative approach when they became the curators of the Chelsea Art Market three years ago.
Their vision was to grow the event into an indie style market featuring progressive and affordable art from emerging artists and crafts persons.
They enlist full-time working artists, who make their living doing art fairs, as consultants for outreach, marketing and jurying.
“Each year we strive to create an inspirational aura throughout Chelsea Art Market. Our jury process not only looks at the quality of craftsmanship, but how the artist’s personality will fit into the overall flow of the market,” said Schwarz, art market program coordinator and director of River Gallery + Exhibits.
As a result, the art market has doubled in size since 2013 and is now located on both East and West Middle Streets in downtown Chelsea.
The juried event is limited to 50 local and regional arts and crafts people of exceptional quality.
Artists willing to demonstrate their processes are also highly sought and can apply at www.chelseafestivals.com/artmarket. Booth fee is $100 for the weekend. Demonstrating artists participate for the reduced rate of $50.
The Chelsea Art Market coincides with the 40th Annual Sounds and Sights Festival. The two-day, three-night festival draws over 15,000 visitors annually and features regional music acts, food trucks, a chalk art contest, classic car show and more activities for the entire family.
The festival begins the evening of Thursday, July 28 with the Chelsea Art Market running Friday and Saturday, July 29 and 30, from noon to 8pm.
For more information visit www.chelseafestivals.com/artmarket, call River Gallery + Exhibits at 734.433.0826, or email [email protected].
