No matter your age or level of art appreciation, there’s something for everyone at the 34th Annual Berea Arts Fest
By Patricia Nugent
Living up to its theme, “Come Together,” the 34th Annual Berea Arts Fest will be bigger and artsier than ever this year. Set for Sunday, September 8, this acclaimed day-long multi-arts event takes over downtown Berea with the lure of local and national artists, fabulous musical acts, amazing food trucks and immersive art experiences for kids.
“We couldn’t be happier to be in expansion mode,” Fest Coordinator Rich Cihlar says. “Art should be accessible and enjoyed by all. We want everyone to feel invited, involved and welcome.”
A Slew of Hot New Artists
Rich reports the expected 10,000-plus fest-goers will appreciate a hand-picked group of artists from Cleveland and around the country. In addition to the 140 booths representing mediums such as painting, photography, jewelry, glass blowing, stained glass, metal works, ceramics, mixed media, printmaking and woodworking, people will delight in a range of demonstrating artists.
New to the fest will be the Baldwin Wallace Clay Club, which will not only show its gorgeous wares, but also demonstrate ceramics and wheel throwing, letting people try their hands at it.
“Billy the Robot is also super quirky and new,” says Rich. “He puts on a show of monster versus robot mash-ups in a fun and cartoony way. Kids enjoy the action and the adults appreciate all the pop culture references from the ’80s and ’90s. And Joy Unspeakable is coming back to the fest. He’s known for appearing out of nowhere and playing pranks on unsuspecting fest-goers. We’re also pleased to host Anthony Kleem, who has earned a reputation as a fine folk-art painter.”
An Art Raffle, held throughout the day, raises funds to support the Fest, as well as its annual college scholarship program. Congratulations to this year’s winner Katie Duane, a student from Berea-Midpark High School who dabbles in everything from drawing and painting to music, film, art literature, pop culture, fashion and multimedia art.
Calling all Budding Picassos
“Each year our Kids Kreation Station under the big tent puts fun for the little ones in high gear, with loads of paper and glitter flying everywhere,” Rich says. “It’s hysterical and only slightly controlled chaos. Kids love taking their hands-on projects home.”
Geared for kids 3-12 years old, the projects include paper plate campers, masks, tissue paper flowers and animals and construction paper landscapes. Supplies are included.
All this excitement making you hungry? Not a problem. They’ve got you covered with some of Cleveland’s most popular food trucks: Hatfield’s Goode Grub, You Enjoy my Doughnuts, Southern Comfort Kitchen, The Eccentric Panda, bRaised in the CLE, Weber’s and Buckeye Concessions.
Music on the Main Stage
10-11 a.m. — Hot Jazz 7
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Bridge the Gap
1-2 p.m. — JiMiller Band
2:30-3:30 p.m. —
The Chewy Center
4-5 p.m. — Cosmik Blackout
Only on the solo stage during the Fest, don’t miss Bill Sanders, Eric Gustafson, Chris Donley and more.
For more information, contact Berea Arts Fest Coordinator Rich Cihlar at BAFcoordinator@bereaartsfest.org, or 440-891-1102. For a complete Berea Arts Fest schedule and volunteer opportunities, visit BereaArtsFest.org. The Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 8. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided by Baldwin Wallace University running from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., picking up guests at the Bonds Building on Eastland Road and dropping off at Fest entrances. As always, admission is free. You can donate online to this 501(c)3 organization.