The year was 1961. John F. Kennedy was president. Princess Diana was born. Barbie got a boyfriend named Ken. Average annual income was $5,735 and minimum wage $1.15. You could mail a letter for $0.04; buy a house for $12,500; or a new car for under $3,000. And, if you were in Rutland in 1961, you could also have attended the First Annual Art in the Park.
A small group of local Rutland artists had a brainstorm .… let’s have an art show in Main Street Park. So, with nothing more than an idea, they launched what has become a signature event for the central Vermont region.
From the original five artists, Art in the Park has grown to nearly one-hundred artisans. This year Art in the Park will be held August 13 and 14 and October 8 and 9 and if you are a lover of fine handcrafted products made in American, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to attend. The 50th Annual Art in the Park promises to be the best yet. The Chaffee Art Center, also celebrating its 50th year, is the event sponsor.
Main Street Park is at the Junction of Routes 4 & 7 in the heart of Rutland. In 2011, attendees will see several new vendors who ply their craft in wood, stone, fiber, metal, glass, or clay; some put brush to canvas or use their keen eye with camera.
Also new for 2011, several vendors will provide hands-on demonstrations of jewelry making, spinning and knitting, or woodworking for those savvy travelers who like to see how things are made.
For more information on Rutland’s Art in the Park visit www.chaffeeartcenter.org
For more information about top events in Vermont take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Vermont.