Artists & Artisans Fair Set for Sunday, Aug. 24 in Stratford

“Artists & Artisans in Paradise,” a new and eclectic art fair to the circuit, brings arts, crafts, performance and community inspiration, on Sunday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Paradise Green in Stratford.

The theme is “All local, all handmade,” featuring artists and artisans selling all-original, handmade art and handiwork. No mass-market, imports or craft from kits will be sold.

Two new features to the fair this year are a Stratford Student Art Competition, inviting upper-level high school art students to compete for ribbons and recognition; and “Poetry on the Hour”: a poetry reading series, welcoming established poets from across the state to share their work “on the hour.” Featured poet for the event is award-winning Stratford poet Norah Pollard.

In addition, a highlight of the event will be a community-sponsored, interactive art project for all ages. Visitors will create art “blocks” on site and add them to large blank panels.

Live music will be provided by singer-songwriter Dave Hogan, singer-songwriter Lys Guillorn, barbershop quartet Coffee Break, the “musical joy” of the Alpaca Gnomes, folk rocker Valiante Hart, and Kayte Devlin.

“Last year’s event was a big success, ” said Anne Mulligan, event coordinator. “People loved the handmade, beautiful art and handiwork, and the wonderful vibe of the event. We can’t wait to take it to a new level this year.”

Food trucks and vendors will sell hot and cold specialties all day.

The event is brought to you by the Stratford Arts Guild, with special thanks to our Diamond Sponsors Two Roads Brewing Company and Bridgeport Landing Development (Steelepoint Harbor).

The Stratford Arts Guild was founded in 2007 to meet the demands of the growing arts community in Stratford. It is a collaboration of Artists and Friends of the Arts, who are dedicated to furthering artistic expression and appreciation of the arts in Connecticut.