THE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 52 YEARS THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

With over 165 juried Fine Artists, a Sesame Street Station in the children's area, music and food for the whole family to enjoy!

WESTPORT, CT, MAY 24TH + 25TH – The Westport Downtown Association, Inc. is excited to present the 52nd Westport Fine Arts Festival, on Memorial Day Weekend - Saturday, May 24th, and Sunday, May 25th from 10 AM to 5 PM. This juried festival is a top twenty nationally ranked show and features the award-winning work of over 165 fine artists from across the country in 11 categories. Over 260 artists applied for 167 coveted spots at this year's festival. The artists come from 19 states, with 31 from Connecticut, and six from our hometown of Westport. We are delighted to welcome 41 new artists to the festival. The returning festival judges are Kathie Bennewitz and Miggs Burroughs.

Additionally, we are delighted to introduce the Sesame Street Station for this year’s family area on Church Lane! This year's children's area is sponsored by Gault Family Companies, bringing Sesame Street to downtown Westport! Children of all ages can enjoy Facepainting by Yasmeen and themed crafts by CraftyKids Westport. Elmo and friends will be on-site Saturday and Sunday. Join them for games, dancing, limbo, and photo opportunities! Inspired by the beloved PBS educational show, this playful space celebrates creativity, diversity, and friendship. From Big Bird to big fun, it’s all happening downtown!

Adults can relax and enjoy wine and beer sponsored by Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, Elicit Brewing Co., Gerard Bertrand, Hampton Water Rosé, The Grapevine, Martignetti Companies, Space Cat Brewing Company, and Two Roads Brewing Company. Popular food vendors such as Alina’s Cakes & Cookies, Goni’s Gourmet, Good Ole Boys Kettle Corn, Hoffman Bread, Los Poblanos Restaurant, Sweet Ness Bites, and LemoNate’s will be on-site to satisfy hungry appetites.

Other vendors at the festival include Advanced Window Systems LLC, CY Collective, Day at the Beach, Domino Travel, Huntington Learning Center of Westport, Joli Lily, Leaf Filter, Renewal by Anderson, Students Opening Local Displays (SOLD Club), Sweet Bond, and Waxing the City Westport.

Liefer Properties sponsors the artists’ awards reception at Branson Hall on Saturday evening, May 24th. We are grateful for their generosity and support of this year’s festival.

Special thanks to The Aubuchon Realty Company (ARC) for generously allowing festival attendees to enjoy live music on their Elm & Main property.

The Fine Arts Festival is a free event. All art will be available for purchase at various price points. The festival will have three entry points: Elm Street, Main Street, and Avery Place. Festival visitors will enjoy live music on both days in several locations on the festival's footprint.

This festival is a highlight for collectors and residents of the Tri-State region, New England, and beyond. It features a premier roster of regional, national, and international fine artists exhibiting in various media categories, including painting, photography, sculpture, fiber, printmaking, mixed media, glass, ceramics, jewelry, wood, graphics, and printmaking. All artwork is available in various price ranges, themes, and styles.

The Westport Fine Arts Festival would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of Gault Family Companies, Leifer Properties, Finocchio Brothers, and Videler Photography.

We’re grateful to our media sponsors, 06880 Dan Woog and Fairfield After Dark, for their generous support in promoting the event and contributing to the community.

The 52nd Westport Fine Arts Festival is presented and produced by The Westport Downtown Association, with Artist Direction by Sue Brown Gordon of Gordon Fine Arts. If artists have questions, they can reach Sue at fafdirector@westportdowntown.com or (518) 852-6478. On-site and sponsor positions are available. Contact Beth Meyer at events@westportdowntown.com. Press inquiries should be directed to Brian Spurr at marketing@westportdowntown.com. For more information, please go to https://westportdowntown.com/fine-arts-festival.

The Westport Downtown Association (WDA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) advocacy organization of merchants, business owners, and landlords working together to improve the commerce and culture of downtown Westport, Connecticut, for the benefit of our community and commercial constituents. In addition to supporting the maintenance and beautification of our district, the WDA runs consumer events to draw attention and visitors to the area.