With fewer than eight weeks to go, hundreds of volunteers are busy preparing for the 58th Marblehead Festival of Arts, which runs July 3-7.
“It’s a fun surprise every time I open my email and see new artwork coming in,” said Meghan Perlow, who is overseeing the Festival’s 12 art exhibits. She has attended the Festival every year since she moved to town seven years ago, but this is her first time volunteering.
“I’m a little bit of a newbie in Marblehead,” she said. “This is a fun way to get to know a lot of people who are entrenched in the town while supporting new artists and established artists. There’s an incredible sense of community here.”
Perlow is an events florist and runs her company, Poppy Floral, out of her home.
“I’ve got a basement full of florals right now,” she laughed.
The Festival is accepting art submissions through June 14. Perlow is especially excited about two new events this year.
The first is the art vending machine.
Perlow purchased a vintage soda machine, which she will fill with smaller, less expensive pieces of art that people can buy. The machine will likely be set up at the Festival’s information booth near the Old Town House on Washington Street.
“It’s a great way to buy an original piece of art at an affordable price,” Perlow said.
The works of art will range in price from $10 to $25, and include things like “tiny paintings, print blocks and tiny sketchbooks.”
Also new this summer is the International Exhibit for artists in Essex County who immigrated to the U.S. or are first-generation Americans.
“We want to showcase the different ethnicities and immigrants we have living here, to see more of a variety of art,” Perlow explained.
Upcoming Festival events
On Friday, May 31, 5-7 p.m., the Festival will kick off its annual Cods & Whales Auction at Abbot Hall. Local artists decorate one-of-a-kind wooden cods and plastic whales that will be displayed in local retailers and then auctioned off.
Sunday, June 30, 5-7 p.m., is the Champagne Reception at Fort Sewall where people can sample delicacies and sip champagne from local restaurants.
On Wednesday, July 3, 6-7:30 p.m., the Festival’s awards ceremony will be held outside Abbot Hall.
Art exhibits, live music and events start Wednesday, July 3, and run through Sunday, July 7. They include favorites like Concerts @ Crocker, Street Festival, Model Boat Regatta at Redd’s Pond, Sand Castle Contest and more.
The Literary Festival kicks off July 4 when the winners will be honored at 28 Mugford St. Writers will read from their works.
The Literary Festival continues July 5-7 at the newly renovated Abbot Public Library with book talks, workshops and interviews featuring 20 writers, including Julia Glass, Hank Philippe Ryan, Phyllis Karas and Jay Dolin.
“We’re thrilled to invite everyone to join us for the 2024 Literary Festival, where we celebrate the power of literature to inspire, educate and unite,” said Kimberly Grad, Literary Festival chair and Abbot Library director.
Check out the full Festival lineup at marbleheadfestival.org/literary-events.
The Current is the Festival of the Arts’ Presenting Media Sponsor.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
