NEW CANAAN, CT — The second annual Waveny Park Arts Festival is set to take place next month in New Canaan, during which guests can enjoy local food, live music and 50 artisan vendors among other highlights.
Presented by the Carriage Barn Arts Center, the free event will be held Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Waveny Park, rain or shine.
According to Hilary Wittmann, the arts center’s executive director, the main draw of the event is to see an incredible group of artist and artisan vendors representing a mix of mediums, products and styles.
Find out what's happening in New Canaanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“There will be five fine art photographers, a diverse mix of jewelry designers and 20 painters ranging from abstract to landscapes, mixed media to three dimensional and more,” Wittmann said to Patch. “There will also be artisan-made textiles, glass, hand-poured candles, stationary, paper products and ornaments. There’s a complete range of sizes and price points, so it’s a great place to look for original artwork for your home, as well as special one-of-a-kind gifts.”
Guests can also enjoy live music throughout the day, including a high-energy performance by the School of Rock and sets by the New Canaan town band, cover band Exit 5 and local singers and songwriters, according to Wittmann.
Find out what's happening in New Canaanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We’ve invited stilt walkers from Matica Arts,” Wittmann said, “and there will be free family art activities run by a local business, Clever & Crafty, as well as National Charity League volunteers.”
Wittmann also encouraged guests to bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a picnic with the Taco Tequila and Pizza Vitale food trucks, as well as food and beverage vendors such as So Fresh Doughnut Co., South Norwalk Ice Cream Co. and the Tea & Spice Exchange.
Following the success of last year’s first annual event, Wittmann and her team decided to double the number of artist and artisan vendors present for this year’s festival. They also made some changes to the layout and placement of the booths.
Additionally, an onlline vendor directory is available this year so those interested can learn more about them ahead of time and come ready to shop, Wittmann said.
Wittmann also said the arts center was excited to support the creative endeavors of a number of young area residents with the addition of a Young Entrepreneurs Marketplace.
“Sixteen kids ages 9-17 will be showcasing and sharing their businesses and products,” Wittmann said. “They include Terre Parfumee, Emmie’s Jewelry and More, WB3D Printing, Alex’s Rolled Ice Cream, The Peoples Store, Coastal Collections Decoupage Seashells, The Complete Dangler Hockey Wax, Brown’s Bakes, Create by Grace, Bracelets by the Sea, Mimigurumi, NC Team Tags, LK Jewels, Zoe’s Masks, Junie’s Designs and Silver Sands Candles & Crafts.”
According to Wittmann, the festival has proven popular with local residents due to a long history of appreciation and support for the arts in New Canaan.
“The Carriage Barn Arts Center and gallery has been thriving in Waveny Park since the 1970’s, as have many other cultural organizations throughout town,” Wittmann said. “New Canaan residents and others from surrounding towns want to learn about and discover the local artists who are living and working right here in our community. This is the perfect day and event to come support the arts and learn more about the Carriage Barn Arts Center and our many program offerings.”
Planning for the festival began as soon as last year’s festival ended and proved successful, Wittmann said.
Work included securing high-quality artists and artisans, organizing entertainment and food and getting necessary permits and approvals, as well as publicity and marketing, according to Wittmann.
“It’s a major undertaking,” Wittmann said. “The Carriage Barn Arts Center is proud to put on this special event for the community and to help guests connect with and support our community of artists and artisans.”
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Click Here: Alpine Racing Suit