GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is home to many exciting and creative experiences including working studio artists, inviting event spaces, ever-changing galleries, a STORE offering one-of-a-kind gifts, and the 3rd Annual Arts Festival READING (AFR)! This year’s festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5, 10am-5pm daily.
The two-day festival is held in conjunction with American Craft Week (Oct. 3-12), an opportunity to celebrate the wonders of American Craft. “American Craft enriches our homes, wardrobes, offices and public spaces. It contributes to our nation's economy, our balance of trade and the fabric of our national history,” states americancraftweek.com.
AFR will feature nearly 100 juried artists. Artistic mediums represented include ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, photography, painting and fine art, sculpture and wood.
“Artists are juried in by a committee with additional festival jurors selecting the top prizes during the weekend,” explains festival co-chair Penny Golden, who also manages GoggleWorks’ STORE. “All price points are represented and all items are of very fine quality.” The festival includes Niche semi-finalists Jacob Albee (jewelry) and Sandra Kaye (fused glass), and merit award winner Jake Pfeifer (blown glass). These national awards are presented by Niche magazine for excellence and innovation in fine craft. Last year’s AFR award winners, Kristen Egan in fine art and Angela Shope in fine craft, are both exhibiting again this year.
Learn a Little – or a Lot
Keeping in mind that GoggleWorks is a teaching facility, this year’s festival will emphasize a more educational experience for patrons. Attendees can learn more about various crafts through demonstrations in woodturning, hot glass, ceramics and calligraphy, during which the artists will also explain their process. In addition, patrons have the opportunity to interact with all participating juried artists to learn more about their craft.
The American Craft Council is providing copies of their magazine for free distribution. Barnes and Noble will participate this year with a booth outside the STORE featuring books related to American Craft, including two by participating festival artists – 500 Felt Objects by Kachina Martin and 1,000 Beads by Louise Mehaffey.
New this year, AFR is extending an opportunity for emerging artists and art students who have not previously participated in larger shows to apply to exhibit their work during the festival. Selected participants will have a small table (versus a large booth) and will be offered tips on how to put together their display.
Through a new partnership, live music will be performed by members of the Reading Symphony Orchestra and the Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra in duos, trios and quartets.
“We celebrate the creative economy in downtown Reading,” shares Ginny Hand, festival co-chair. Ginny and Penny work with a committee of 20 throughout the year to make this special event possible, and more than 100 volunteers are involved throughout the weekend.
Back this year, the craft beer garden will be open on the café terrace, and a beer and wine cart will make its way throughout the building for easy beverage access during your shopping experience. Food vendors will include downtown Reading restaurants Judy’s on Cherry and Mi Casa Su Casa.
Bring your energy and your appetite, and discover a treasure for yourself, your family or your home. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 if purchased online. Children under 12 are admitted free. Free parking is available in the GoggleWorks lot as well as in neighboring garages. For more info visit artsfestivalreading.org or call 610.374.4600, ext. 104.
by Kristin Kramer | photos courtesy arts festival reading
