The 20th anniversary of New Hope’s outdoor juried Arts & Crafts Festival is just around the corner!

The annual New Hope Arts and Crafts Festival, sponsored and run by the chamber, is taking place outdoors at the local high school September 28th & 29th. This festival features over 200 artists drawing over 20,000 art patrons. This in conjunction with its 20th anniversary, the New Hope Chamber President, Connie Gering has something to celebrate – newfound, festival artistic history, leading to a deeper inspiration.

“You’ll always hear me say New Hope is the “Jewel of the East Coast”, especially when referencing the Arts and Crafts Festival, and from talking to so many townspeople, I was most recently led to veteran business/restaurant owner, John Larsen of John and Peters. John was married to the late Robin Larsen, a local, arts treasure and founder of the New Hope Arts Center. Interestingly, this dynamic business and artistic couple set out together 20 years ago to help develop what’s now known as one of the largest Arts and Crafts Festival of the East Coast – the New Hope Chamber’s annual, juried Arts and Crafts Festival. For decades, many visitors, business owners and residents have known this town as a true artist haven, but Robin was known for inspiring our artistic community and bringing it to new, creative heights. As soon as I discovered from John’s stories that Robin was the spirit behind this festival, I gained not only a deeper appreciation for the festival but inspiration for our artists as well” – said Connie Gering, who’s looking to increase the Judging power and artistic experience of the festival by searching for additional, artistic Judges to add to the existing volunteer base.

Picture Attached: L-R, Connie Gering, New Hope Chamber President and Arts & Crafts Founder, John Larsen photographed at John & Peter’s shown with original Arts & Crafts discovered memorabilia.

“When I was first approached by the Chamber to start the Festival back in the 90’s, Robin and I made sure we were very selective in choosing artists, we had to screen over 450 submissions and narrow it down to only 30 artists. We knew the quality of art was key to attract the right audiences to this festival and to our town. From what I see, the Chamber still is selective, setting high-standards for submissions, but right away when I first met Connie, I suggested tapping further into the caliber of artists right here in our back yard for potential, additional Judges, knowing Connie wants to take the festival to even higher heights; this is something I know Robin would have wanted to see” – said John Larsen.

Artists are encouraged to submit, as submissions are being accepted until August 5th. Artists are pre-screened and selected through formal submissions process by the handpicked Chamber Arts and Crafts Festival committee members. This year there will be over 220 local and out-of-state artists uniting to present and promote their oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, sculptures, photography, jewelry, ceramics, glass and wood works and unique drawings. A select panel of judges will select first, second and third prize winners for the categories fine art, photography, crafts and jewelry. A “Best in Show” will also be chosen. Over $3,000 in prize money will be awarded to the winners.

Visitors to the festival can expect not only great visual art but performing art such as live music, as well as a food court with a variety of delectable treats and a convenient, complimentary shuttle service from festival grounds to New Hope’s Main Street, providing guests multiple experiences at various gift shops and restaurants throughout Historic New Hope.

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