After a long winter, everyone is ready for the festival known for celebrating of the arrival of Spring. Held in its usual spot on the lawn of the Pump House Center for the Arts in Chillicothe’s beautiful Yoctangee Park and sponsored and hosted by the Chillicothe Art League, this annual juried invitational art festival, now in its 23rd year, represents a simple, natural approach to festivals, without the mass-produced, carnival atmosphere and is a free event.
It is a gift from the Chillicothe to the community with the help of David Meade Massie Trust. The festival was designed to promote Earth-friendly art, music, food, products and ideas and inspire the public with songs and art about nature. If severe weather is forecasted for Saturday the 15th, the festival would be rescheduled for Sunday, April 16th. Full festival details can be found on www.facebook.com/ChillicotheArtLeague. The event is pinned at the top of the page.
The Chillicothe Art League invites artists, musicians and organizations from with a 100-mile radius of Chillicothe to apply.Vendors sell affordable, quality, hand-made art such as jewelry, fiber art, clothing, hats and purses, sculpture, painting and collage, functional and decorative ceramics, candles, garden art, honey, soaps and more. Seven local and regional bands will play throughout the day. The event is a free to attend.
DUE TO THE SMALL AREA OF THE EVENT, NO PETS WILL BE PERMITTED INSIDE THE FESTIVAL AREA.
Musical lineup is as follows:
12 p.m. The Greater Goods Ashley and Amber Good from Chillicothe
1 p.m. The Basement Collective Ben True, Nick Davisson, Jarret Kelly, Jesse Mitten from Chillicothe
2 p.m. Emotional Jammage Chad Stout, JC Alexander, Travis Elder from Chillicothe
3 p.m. Hillbilly Chic Paul Brown, Richard Moore, Bryan Joseph, John Victor from Chillicothe
4 p.m Gathering Stars from Columbus Michelle Ishida, Carole Walker, Stephanie Sambroak, Bill Patrick, Jeff Plavcan, Los Giles, Johnny Polansky
5 p.m. Devil Doves from Columbus Timothy “Junior” Kauffman, Kyle Davis, Eric Nassua, Jeff Staw
If the event is rained out on the 15th, the rain date of Sunday, April 16th will see Devil Doves and The Basement Collective switch times.
Visitors are encouraged to view the Chillicothe Art League's 24th-Annual Spring Open Exhibition inside the Pump House Gallery featuring over 90 pieces of art from local and regional artists with a coordinating floral and plant arrangements designed by the Chillicothe Garden Club. Vote for People's Choice.
MANGOS Authentic Taco Truck from Waverly, will serve healthy chicken, beef or veggie street tacos, quesadillas, sandwich wraps and salads and fruit smoothies. Coffee and tea products (hot and cold) and various desserts are available from Two Roasting Joes/Livy Cakes.
Participating organizations: Chillicothe Art League, Chillicothe Ross League of Women Voters, Citizens Climate Lobby, City of Chillicothe Tree Commission, Friends of Hopewell Culture NHP, Ross Soil & Water/Ross County Garden Clubs, Ross Co. Park District/Chillicothe Trails, Ross Litter Control & Recycling, Foothold International, Up & Beyond Art Studio.
For the kids: 11-3 p.m. only, Chillicothe Art League volunteers along with the Unioto High School National Art Honor Society volunteers with help with art projects in the Kidzart tent. Sidewalk chalk drawing is available on a nearby basketball court.
Park, playground and skate park and downtown shops, restaurants and taverns within walking distance--because there is no alcohol permitted in the event. Visit the CAL booth to buy raffle tickets for a guitar from BBB Music Center. CAL will be have stepping stones again this year and more.