Thousands Expected At Canton Festival Of The Arts In May

CANTON, GA — Thousands will enjoy the crisp and sunny North Georgia spring weather while they shop for affordable fine art and gifts in downtown Canton. Presented by the Cherokee Arts Center, the 16th annual Canton Festival of the Arts will feature art by 45 southern artists and an all-new chalk event on Saturday, May 4 - Sunday, May 5.

Sponsored by Northside Cherokee Hospital, the festival gives people a chance to admire fine art and artist demonstrations throughout the weekend. Adults and kids will get artistic at “make and take” art stations, enjoy live music sponsored by the Cherokee Music Center and classic fair food including kettle corn and funnel cakes along with craft beer and wine.

Traditionally held later in the month, the festival will kick off festival season in early May.

“This will give people a chance to shop for unique Mother’s Day & graduation gifts that will be treasured for years to come,” Lisa Brunelle, board president of the Cherokee Arts Center, the not-for-profit organization that benefits from the festival, said in a release.

While entry is free, a $5 donation per adult with a $10 family cap is suggested to benefit the Cherokee Arts Center.

Works of art including jewelry, pottery, woodworking, glass, sculptures, textiles, paintings and much more. Artists from Georgia, the Carolinas and Alabama and will have art available for purchase at a variety of price points.

Canton Chalk Walk and Rising Artist Market

For the first time, the festival will feature the new Canton Chalk Walk area, sponsored by Blick Art Materials. Aspiring artists can create sidewalk chalk art live on Saturday, May 4. The art will be on display all weekend long, weather-permitting. Anyone interested can register ahead of the festival; day-of walk-in registrations are welcome while space lasts. There is a small registration fee.

“Our goal is to enrich people’s lives through art,” Brunelle said. “The new Canton Chalk Walk event and Jack Fincher Jr. Rising Artist Market will give both children and adults a way to practice creativity in an energetic and artistic atmosphere.”

The Jack Fincher Jr. Rising Artist Market gives student artists from Cherokee County the opportunity to showcase and sell their artwork. It also gives them an opportunity to visit with professional artists who can share the tricks of their trade. Students from five schools will showcase this year, including Cherokee, River Ridge, Woodstock, Creekview and Sequoyah high schools.

Live music

In addition to fine art, festival goers can grab some shade under the big tent and hear music by talented musicians from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Sponsored by Cherokee Music Center, the stage will feature southern rocker Chloe Litton, headlining the Saturday lineup with effortless power vocals, emotion and solid guitar strumming. Folk duo Etowah River Band will close the festival on Sunday, May 5 with classic rock favorites.

Food

Families will enjoy fun fair food, including fresh squeezed lemonade and hot dogs, chicken nuggets, Jimmy John’s sandwiches and King of Pops frozen treats all weekend long.

The Canton Festival of the Arts is hosted at Brown Park at 251 E. Marietta St. in downtown Canton on May 4 - 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Parking is free on the street, parking lots and at the Cherokee County Courthouse parking deck at 94 N. Main Street.

Visit cantonartfestival.com or follow @CantonFestival on Facebook for more information.