The enduringly popular and family-friendly Art in the Park festival will be held at Mill Creek Park in South Portland on Saturday, Aug. 13. The event includes several new food vendors, as well as magic shows and a special story time for the youngsters.
The 37th annual show, which runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., will be followed by the Knightville Street Fest block party, from 4-7 p.m., which will include activities for the whole family, including a fine artist’s take on sidewalk chalk art.
Organizers describe Art in the Park as “a really nice community event” and said the goal is for the “public to enjoy and appreciate the work of the artists, as well as the variety of entertainment, activities and food offered,” according to Bill Cary, who is co-chairman of this year’s event.
He added that for organizers, what makes the event so special is that “during the course of the day you see so many people connecting with friends and folks that they know as they walk around the park.”
Cary also thanked all of the volunteers and city staff who make the event happen year after year.
Freeport-based artist Joe Cousins, a 1968 graduate of South Portland High School, has been a regular at Art in the Park for more than 30 years.
“I signed up (for the show because it was) a great opportunity to exhibit and sell my artwork and also for a chance for recognition,” he said about the annual awards given out.
During his time exhibiting at Art in the Park, Cousins has won the Best in Show award three times, along with “numerous other awards.” He describes himself as a “realistic painter” who works with watercolors or acrylics.
“The entire state of Maine and it’s many moods are a muse for my inspiration,” Cousins added. “My mission is to tell a story and open the viewer’s eyes to a new way of seeing.”
Overall, he said, “Art in the Park is known for the high caliber of artwork on display and as one of the finest art events in the state.”
Mary Perry, who works at City Hall and is the other co-chair of event, said that the goal for Art in the Park “has remained the same from the very first year and that’s to bring together artists and buyers and to showcase our students. The quality of work the South Portland art teachers bring out in their students never ceases to amaze me.”
Perry said in addition to all of the other activities being planned, the rhythm and funk band CuppaGroove will make its first afternoon appearance at the art show.
The student art tent is open 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Steelgrave Magic will put on shows at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Kim Campbell from the South Portland Library will hold story time at noon.
The Food Court will be open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and this year’s vendors include the Rotary Club of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth serving fried dough; a Little Suga serving cupcakes, cookies and macaroons; CVC Catering Group serving wraps, pulled pork, and more; India Palace serving curries and chicken tikki masala; Mainely Burgers serving burgers and fries; and Milly’s Skillet and Seaside Kitchen serving lobster and crab rolls.
The art awards will be announced at noon from the gazebo and include a variety of categories and cash prizes.
The Knightville Street Fest, with a theme of “Making Magic Happen,” will feature live music by Seagrass and magic demonstrations by Abracadabra Productions. In addition many of the local restaurants and shops will also be open.
The 37th annual Art in the Park will be held in South Portland on Saturday, Aug. 13.
Freeport-based artist Joe Cousins is a long-time participant in the Art in the Park in South Portland.
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