For 25 years, the award-winning Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton, MA, has positioned itself as New England’s leading exhibition of fine craft, art and design. Mounted inside three carpeted, airy new buildings on the 3 County Fairgrounds, 54 Old Ferry Road, off Rt. 9 in Northampton, and connected by covered walkways, the iconic show still retains its beloved indoor-outdoor nature and is open rain or shine. The 12,000 square-foot Dining Tent commands a grassy lawn surrounded by outdoor sculpture. With lots of brand-new artists, great food by local chefs, a benefit Silent Art Auction and fun activities, visitors are kept busy and enthralled all weekend long.
Voted the number one art and craft fair in America by AmericanStyle Magazine, Paradise City is the place to see the work – and hear the stories – of 250 extraordinary artists from every corner of America. This collection of competitively juried artists will be exhibiting original works in ceramics, painting, decorative fiber, art glass, furniture, jewelry, metal, mixed media, photography, large-scale sculpture, wearable art and woodworking. More than 10,000 annual attendees, many traveling long distances, will visit this sprawling show on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. Yankee Magazine called it “the fairest of the fairs” and wrote “The Northampton visual arts scene explodes at the twice-yearly Paradise City Arts Festival, an extravaganza of 200-plus top-notch craftspeople and fine artists that’s been dazzling shoppers since 1995.”
“We are thrilled to be celebrating our 25th year of producing and directing the Paradise City Arts Festivals,” shared director Geoffrey Post. “With at least four dozen new exhibitors participating this spring, there are fresh discoveries everywhere. And every booth is a tiny gallery or boutique, each one constructed with an artist’s eye and a maker’s hand.”
Fully Engaged!
The Modern Art of Tying the Knot
From love matches to arranged marriages, there are so many elements that contribute to making the journey into marriage a memorable one. The objects associated with this journey play an important role, starting with that most enduring symbol of love – the engagement ring. At Paradise City, fine jewelers turn engagement rings into small works of art, from the traditional “round brilliant” diamond to more avant-garde styles handmade with colorful gemstones and unusual metals.
The wedding ceremony – whether a simple civil ceremony, magnificently orchestrated affair, or exotic destination wedding – becomes an opportunity to express commitment and love. Fine art and craft can make the experience even more special. Hand-blown champagne flutes to toast the couple, honed knives to cut the cake, festive outfits for dancing the night away, unique table favors, stunning vases for floral centerpieces, and romantic photography all contribute to the festivities – and the memories. And for the participants, what better way to say “I love you” to the happy couple than with an artful gift for their new home that they will cherish forever. This display is mounted inside Exhibition Building #2.
Silent Art Auction Benefit for ILI
The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) provides free English classes for new arrivals from all over the world so they can utilize their skills in this country and successfully integrate into their community. The campaign for this program is called Giving Voice. A different selection of beautiful and valuable donations by Paradise City exhibitors will open for bidding each day at the Silent Auction Tables. Paradise City’s Silent Art Auctions have raised over $400,000 for community non-profits over the years. The Auction takes place in Exhibition Building #3.
International Foods under the Festival Dining Tent
The 12,000 square-foot Festival Dining Tent is a microcosm of Northampton’s vibrant restaurant scene, with recipes that span the globe. Chefs from the region’s restaurants introduce new dishes every season, often using ingredients straight from the Valley’s farms. From exotic curries and Thai classics to locavore burgers and fresh lobster rolls, there is something for every palate. A full bar offers wine, beer and Paradise City’s signature cocktails, including the popular Manhattan Meets Northampton.
Workshops and Demonstrations for All Ages
Paradise City keeps its visitors’ hands, eyes and brains busy. Make your own patterned scarf using a rainbow of vibrant dyes! Richard Borden and Patricia Disantis of Shibumi Silks offer a fantastic hands-on experience in silk marbling techniques. Their enthusiasm for their craft is contagious. Alan and Rosemary Bennett, known for their life-sized,
realistic renditions of fish and sea creatures, lead very popular clay sculpture workshops for children (and the young at heart). Wood artist Steven Wiseman shares the pleasures and intricacies of wood turning on the lathe for the first time at Paradise City Northampton. He’ll demonstrate lathe and spindle turning, creating everything from pens to bowls to sculptural vessels as you watch.
The changing installations and large-scale sculpture along the Sculpture Promenade between the Festival Dining Tent and the Exhibition Buildings are catnip for kids, Instagram heaven and full of fantastic decorating ideas for the attendees’ own gardens.
In addition, one often comes across an artist working on a painting, sketching out a concept for a commission, carving wood or sizing clothing for a client. This is one of the little pleasures of Paradise City. Not only is the event an opportunity to meet the artists and talk to them about their work, but there is always a glimpse of the technique and thought process behind each piece of art.
All the details...
Paradise City Arts Festival will take place on Northampton’s 3 County Fairgrounds Saturday through Monday, May 25-27. Show hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday, Memorial Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission price is: adults, $14; seniors 65 years of age and older, $12; students $8; children 12 years of age and younger, free. A three-day pass is available for $16. A full-color program comes with admission. Parking is free all three days of the fair.
For more information call 800-511-9725 or visit: www.paradisecityarts.com.
