Marblehead will celebrate the 60th Marblehead Festival of Arts this year with new events, special memorabilia and an expanded schedule.
Volunteers have been working all year to prepare for the festival, which draws visitors from across the North Shore and beyond.
“We really hit the ground running last July,” said volunteer and festival board member Joe Tavano. “This has been a busy year, but we’re also really on the ball.”
Starting April 1, artists are invited to submit work for 11 exhibits across six locations throughout Marblehead, continuing a format used in recent years.
April also marks the start of ticket sales for the festival’s ticketed events, including the popular Champagne Reception scheduled for June 28, just before the festival begins.
Organizers say the goal is to allow visitors to map out their festival plans months in advance.
“Everything will be open and available so people can start planning their schedules and see the full lineup,” Tavano said.
Additional submissions for the Film Festival and Literary Festival are expected to open later in April.
Concerts at Crocker Park
The festival has released its lineup for the popular Concerts at Crocker Park series.
More than a dozen musical acts are scheduled, including Los Sugar Kings, Sarah Blackler & The Light, and Better Than Nothing — The Last Waltz. The full schedule is available at marbleheadfestival.org.
Literary events move outdoors
The festival’s literary programming is also evolving this year. Literary events will move outdoors to the upper garden at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, offering a new setting for readings and discussions.
Festival President Cynda Rohmer said the literary program has expanded significantly in recent years, growing beyond the traditional festival weekend with events held throughout the year.
One upcoming example is a literary-themed “Jeopardy” event scheduled for mid-April.
A festival that lasts all year
While the Fourth of July weekend remains the centerpiece, organizers say they are intentionally spreading arts programming across the calendar.
“In the past, it was four days — and then you wouldn’t think about us again for the rest of the year,” Rohmer said. “Now we want to have something happening all the time so people stay engaged.”
That approach is already visible. Events earlier this year included speed-puzzling competitions, and additional literary and arts programs are planned for the spring and fall.
New talks and workshops
The festival is also adding educational programs and artist talks.
One upcoming event will feature Marblehead architect Tom Saltsman, whose elaborate Halloween installations draw worldwide attention each year. He will present a multimedia talk exploring the inspiration behind his projects.
Another workshop will teach participants how to use iPhone cameras and iPad styluses to take and edit photographs or create digital art.
Signature traditions return
Despite the new additions, many longtime festival traditions will remain.
The Artisan’s Marketplace, art exhibits, model boat races and performances will once again fill venues across town during the July celebration.
The festival will also continue community art projects such as the “Cods and Whales” public sculptures, which will appear in local storefronts after a preview event at Abbot Hall on May 29.
Because Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year, organizers plan to extend some programming into Sunday to give visitors more opportunities to attend events.
A special year for memorabilia
To mark the 60th festival, organizers are introducing a limited-edition poster and a redesigned commemorative program book highlighting the festival’s history.
The poster will be produced in a limited run of about 250 copies and will be available as part of special donor packages.
The program book will also expand to include historical reflections, volunteer profiles and stories about people who helped shape the festival over the decades.
Powered by volunteers
Like most years, the festival relies heavily on volunteers.
Rohmer estimates about 400 volunteers are needed to run the event each summer, supported by a year-round leadership team of roughly 30 to 40 chairs and board members.
The organization is still recruiting volunteers, and several leadership roles remain open, including positions overseeing events, exhibits, volunteer coordination and communications.
“We always welcome more people,” Rohmer added.
Honoring a legacy of creativity
Organizers say the focus is not only on celebrating art, but also on honoring the community members who built the tradition.
Much of that history will be highlighted in anniversary programming and commemorative materials.
“This year is really about reflecting on 60 years,” Rohmer said, “and recognizing the people who have made the Festival what it is.”
If planners have their way, the celebration will ensure the Marblehead Festival of Arts stays on residents’ calendars — not just for four days in July, but throughout the year.
Learn more at marbleheadfestival.org.
