With just days to go before the start of 58th Marblehead Festival of Arts, hundreds of volunteers are busy setting up galleries, hanging art, organizing events and more.
“In our hectic lives, we often overlook connecting with our neighbors,” said Festival Director Jodi-Tatiana Charles. “The Marblehead Festival of Arts provides a unique opportunity for our community to come together, build new relationships and celebrate our arts.”
She added, “By championing the arts, we create enduring memories and a collective pride in our town’s cultural achievements.”
The Marblehead Current is an official Festival sponsor and produced this eight-page special section with everything you’ll need to navigate the five-day event, including the full schedule (Pages 11-14). You can also visit MarbleheadCurrent.org for updates.
Starting with a toast
This Sunday, June 30, 5-7 p.m., is the Festival’s Champagne Reception at Fort Sewall where people can sample delicacies from local restaurants and vendors and sip champagne. A highlight of summer in town, the party features live music (with the band True North back this year) and a traditional handmade hat contest. Tickets are $60 in advance or $70 at the event. Register at marbleheadfestival.org.
Art exhibits, live music and events start Wednesday, July 3, and run through Sunday, July 7. They include favorites like Concerts @ Crocker, the Street Festival, Model Boat Regatta at Redd’s Pond, Sand Castle Contest and more.
Also on Wednesday, 6-7:30 p.m., the Festival’s awards ceremony will be held outside Abbot Hall.
The Literary Festival kicks off Thursday, 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.
What’s new
The Festival features several additions this year, including an art vending machine. Meghan Perlow, who chairs the Festival’s art exhibits, purchased a vintage soda machine that she’s filling with smaller, less expensive pieces of art for sale. 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,” Perlow added.
Kids ages 12-16 will want to try the new monster-making workshop led by the Big Nazo Lab. Big Nazo monsters were a big hit at last year’s Festival. On Sunday, June 30, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., children will get the chance to create their own monster helmets and hats. $100. Register at marbleheadfestival.org.
The Festival is adding a 10K race along with a 5K that started last year. The races step off at the post office on Saturday, July 6, at 7:45 a.m. Cost is $40-$50. Register at marbleheadfestival.org.
There will be two sessions of model boat making this year, on Thursday, July 4, at 10-11:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each session has 60 slots available. At 3 p.m., kids will bring their boats to Redd’s Pond for a regatta. Model boat kits are $30. Register at marbleheadfestival.org.
