By Ann Nichols
annsnichols@aol.com
For the past 46 years, the Creative Arts Guild in Dalton, Ga. has presented one of the premier fine arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast. This year’s event will be held Friday through Sunday, Sept. 19.
Festival 2010 kicks off Friday evening at 7 p.m. with the Patron Party and Taste of Dalton. Those attending have the first chance to purchase one or more of the 137 artworks created by 51 artists. Jewelry, pottery, paintings in all media, pastels, drawings, photographs, sculpture and assemblages will be available – all priced $750 or less. In addition, patrons will enjoy culinary tastings from 12 of Dalton’s finest restaurants and caterers.
“I promise folks won’t go away hungry,” said Leanne Lawson, coordinator of Festival 2010.
Tickets to the Patron Party are $50 per person.
The festival continues on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can view and purchase art from the indoor portion of the show, as well as in the open-air artists market. New to this year’s event is the placement of the outdoor booth display under the building in the Bernice Spigel Pavilion.
“Weather can make or break an outdoor event, so we made the decision to do away with the traditional tent festival and create an open-air market,” said Terry Tomasello, the guild’s director.
More than 40 artists will participate in this portion of the festival. Visitors also may enjoy food from a variety of vendors, a local writer’s showcase, competitive gymnastics performances, a three-dimensional student art show, the Royal Reading Room for children of all ages and Children’s Hill where hands-on activities are planned.
Festival 2010 continues on Sunday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 pm.
Serving as judge for the event is Stan Townsend, artist and co-owner of Townsend Atelier. He will designate $2,350 in awards to outstanding works.
Attendance to the festival is free on Saturday and Sunday.
The guild is at 520 W. Waugh St. Call 706-278-0168.