Gainesville's Art in the Square returning

GAINESVILLE - Invitations are out to hundreds of local and regional artists to seek their participation in the second annual Art In the Square fine arts festival to be held on the Downtown Gainesville Square on Saturday, October 1.

This year's event is expected to attract more than twice the number of artists as last year's, according to organizers.

Main Street Gainesville says Art in the Square is a response to the growing number of creative arts-oriented businesses in Downtown Gainesville and the desire of local and regional artists to showcase their work to the public. This past fall's inaugural event featured 35 of the region's artists who were invited to participate..

Works will range from pottery, carved wooden bowls and furniture; oil and watercolors; sculpture; abstract acrylic paintings and even fascinating painted screens. Artists already include well-known names such as Anne Brodie Hill, Margaret Cameron, Judith Surowiec, Shirley Shepherd, and Nancy, Lola Caples, Paula Ryan, Artisans of Flowery Branch, Edith Hill Smith, Sawnee Artists Association, Karen Pruitt, Jessica Drexler,
Don Rank, Tandy Ray, Richard and Joy Smith among others.

In addition to the art, "There will be plenty of activities for the whole family," Hill said. "INK, Inc. will be providing a number of art related activities for kids including the ever-popular 'sidewalk chalk art'. In addition there will be a moonwalk, face painting by Cheerio the Clown." Music will be provided by a number of local performers.

Last year's festival was by invitation only. This year's will be juried by the noted regional artist, John Kollock. Kollock has illustrated over 30 books for other authors in addition to six of his own. He is also well known in this North Georgia region for having created over 60 limited edition prints depicting the rural history and life in this area.

"We are excited about this second edition of Art in the Square as well as all the related activities and look forward to seeing it continue to grow", stated Patrick Ceska, owner of Oliver Galerie d' Art in the Main Street Market and creator of the festival logo.

In addition to Oliver Galerie d' Art, other creative businesses will be open during the festival hosting activities and artists in their own businesses such as Frames You Nique, the Main Street Market, Tea Tyme Restaurant. Many downtown restaurants will feature specials and outdoor dining opportunities. Two new businesses will be holding grand openings that day: Inside/Out Accents and Sunrise Bakery Café.

For further information call Main Street Gainesville at 770-297-1141.