Paradise City Arts Festival returning to Northampton

Paradise City Arts Festival will be held from Oct. 9-11, Columbus Day Weekend, in Northampton. The site of the event is Three County Fairgrounds, Route 9 and Old Ferry Road. The fair runs from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, ending earlier Monday at 4 p.m. Paradise City, founded in 1995, produces award-winning shows of contemporary craft and fine art. Paradise City's shows are highly competitive, and showcases the works of some of America's most prominent craftsmen and artists. Its shows provide artists with a sophisticated marketplace for cutting-edge work, and are an important resource for serious collectors, homeowners, galleries and decorators. Among the many art media included are works in studio furniture, art glass, large-scale sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and painting. The festival Web site, found at paradisecityarts.com, serves as an extensive visual preview for all Paradise City shows, as well as providing an interactive educational resource for both the public and the press. Visitors access product and contact information for participating artists before, during, and after the shows. In addition, registered media regularly access camera-ready images to use in national and local coverage of the artists and our events. Linda and Geoff Post The Founding Directors, Geoffrey and Linda Post, are both practicing artists. Admission for adults is $12, senior admission is $10 and students are admitted for $8. Children under age 12 are admitted free. A three-day pass costs $15. All admissions include a free full color program. Free parking is provided, and the event is handicapped accessible. Group discounts are available. Features include live jazz and sensational food in the Festival Dining Tent; art installations in the Sculpture Garden; a special exhibit about food as artistic inspiration; a silent art auction for the Western Mass Food Bank; and children's activities. The Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton is a fantastic place to celebrate American Craft Week and New England's fall foliage season. -Courtesy of Paradise City Arts Festival