Coming in July: Vandergrift’s Artfest; artisans, volunteers wanted
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Vandergrift’s annual Artfest is back, and organizers are seeking artisans and volunteers.
In-person activities resume this year for the popular summer daylong festival scheduled for Sunday, July 25.
Last year’s event was held virtually because of the pandemic.
This year’s theme is “Art, Heart and Soul.”
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The free event is organized by the Vandergrift Improvement Program (VIP), a nonprofit borough revitalization organization.
Marilee Kessler, VIP chairman of the organization committee, said the borough is ready to welcome attendees, noting attendance at ArtFest usually tops 1,000.
“People are very excited,” Kessler said. “Everyone likes the art festival for one reason or another, and it’s enthusiastically supported by the visitors.”
Grant and Columbia avenues will be closed to vehicle traffic from noon to 8 p.m.
Visitors can expect live art, hand-painted wooden palette displays, live music, children’s art activities, food, wine tasting and more.
The Palette Project returns this year, showcasing original painted creations by area artists on oversized wooden palettes.
The palettes are displayed on sidewalks throughout the borough for several weeks.
Kessler said there are 30 palettes available for sponsorship at $125 each.
“Most people who sponsor them donate back to the VIP, and we can reuse them,” Kessler said.
Longtime volunteers Joyce and Norm Myers from Myers Print Shop coordinate the Palette Project.
ArtFest organizer Lisa Dormire said the Myerses are steadfast volunteers.
“It wouldn’t happen without the Myers family,” Dormire said. “… It’s quite a labor of love.”
All money raised funds the next ArtFest.
Kessler said, this year, attendees can expect about six food trucks on Columbia Avenue.
New this year is the Vandergrift Streetscape Project, featuring 10 borough parking meters transformed into whimsical floral works of art and two stainless steel sculptures honoring a nearby Allegheny Technologies Inc. steel plant, created by to-be-determined artists.
Confirmed live music acts include Miss Freddye, Lenny Collini and 56EAST.
Kessler said interested vendors should offer handmade and artisan-themed creations.
She said volunteers are needed to help keep areas clean and to help with setup and tearing down afterward.
Dormire said there are free spaces available for local nonprofits, along with reduced rates for those who have never participated in a festival before.
“We are using an online registration system because in the unlikely event that we do need to cancel due to community health emergencies, we can refund everyone’s money very quickly and easily,” Dormire said.
For more information, to inquire about volunteering, being a vendor or to sponsor a palette, call 724-454-1625.