When summer is hottest, it’s time for two great arts festivals in Chardon: Geauga Park District’s 26th annual Nature Arts Festival at Big Creek Park and the Chardon Square Association’s 37th annual Chardon Arts Festival on historic Chardon Square.
One Day, Two Great Arts Festivals in Chardon
When summer is hottest, it’s time for two great arts festivals in Chardon: Geauga Park District’s 26th annual Nature Arts Festival at Big Creek Park and the Chardon Square Association’s 37th annual Chardon Arts Festival on historic Chardon Square.
No need to choose one over the other, either – both take place Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are connected by a free 5-minute Lolly the Trolley ride.
Admission and parking are free at both.
Chardon Arts Festival
On Chardon Square, shop 100-plus professionally juried artists from in and out of state in a wonderful, park-like setting. Genres will include painting, stained glass, leather, fabric art, wood carving, pottery, photography, weaving, copper, jewelry, stone-cutting and more. A great selection of shops and boutiques on the Square will also be open, as well as restaurants and food vendors at the show.
This year’s featured local artist is Chardon native Matthew Albright. In addition to Tremont and elsewhere in the downtown Cleveland area, Matthew’s sculpting talent can be viewed anytime on Chardon Square in front of the Heritage House. His Maple Tree sculpture depicts the history of the maple syrup industry in Chardon. He is currently working on his next hometown sculpture, “Echo of the Heart,” for Chardon Living Memorial Park.
“Make sure to stop by the Featured Local Artists tent and see Matt’s work as he demonstrates his talent and has many items for sale,” said festival co-chair Mariann Goodwin.
Nature Arts Festival
Meanwhile, in Big Creek Park, regional artists were juried for primarily wildlife/nature-inspired artwork, which makes this indoor/outdoor event truly unique. But there’s so much more that makes this event unique.
A complete schedule of live music, entertainment and family activities will soon be posted at bit.ly/gpdspecial, including chalk art, make-n-take projects, live blacksmithing demos and readings by all ages of Nature-inspired poetry and prose. Quench your summer food cravings with kettle corn, sno-cones, fruit smoothies, an ice cream truck and the Hunger Squad Food Truck.
“The Nature Arts Festival is one of the area’s finest shows,” said Teresa Runion, special events coordinator at the Geauga Park District. “Now that our festival has returned to the county seat, we all get very excited for the day when these two great Geauga festivals make Chardon a regional hub for great artwork, food and family fun.”
Chardon Square is located at the intersection of routes 44 and 6, and Big Creek Park is located at 9160 Robinson Road. Both are wheelchair/stroller accessible.
