Art, music, food and fun can be found along the Anchor Bay coast this Labor Day weekend.
Art on the Bay will host its 15th annual arts and crafts show at Walter and Mary Burke Park in downtown New Baltimore on August 31 and September 1. More than 70 artists and artisans will display their handmade wares.
“From fine jewelry, wood and metalwork, fiber, pottery, glass, soaps and lotions, paintings, authors, drawings, photography and mixed media, there is something for everyone,” the nonprofit said in a press release.
This year’s event will feature Ted Simpson, a certified Bob Ross instructor, who will be back on Saturday to demonstrate the famous painting technique.
The Armada Glass Company will also demonstrate the art of glassblowing during this year’s show.
Also returning is SQ3, an acoustic trio that will play classic rock music from 1pm to 4pm on both days. The group consists of Therese Smith, Chris Murrell and Paul Patronik.
A children’s tent with projects and activities will be available for the younger children on both days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be food trucks as well as beer and wine available.
“Art on the Bay is the perfect way to end the summer,” says the nonprofit. “Shop until you drop. Find the perfect gift. Sit back and enjoy beer, wine and music in a beautiful park.”
Artwork will be judged and prizes will be awarded for overall booth presentation. Last year’s first place award went to Laura Higle of That Moment, Click. Virginia Bur of Molly Pitcher Co. took second place at the 2023 event and Roy Rodgers of Roy’s Live Edge Tables received an honorable mention. The People’s Choice Award went to Todd and Cindy Lou Jones of Cindy Lou’s Art & Metal Works.
More than 7,000 people attended the 2023 event.
Art on the Bay Inc. awards grants to individuals and groups seeking to promote art, music, dance and theater in the community. The organization has supported projects as large as the directional signs installed in the city of New Baltimore, sheet music for the creation of a community jazz orchestra, a special playground for children with disabilities, brickwork for the Grand Pacific House Museum, and more.
“Art on the Bay provides an opportunity to bring art closer to people, highlight and support our local businesses by bringing thousands of visitors to downtown, introducing the public to our recreational facilities and creating a sense of community,” the nonprofit said.
Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Walter and Mary Burke Park is located at 36300 Front St. in New Baltimore. For more information, visit artonthebay.com or facebook.com/ArtOnTheBay.
