Arts festival aims to make New Milford an 'art destination'

By Deborah Rose

The New Milford Village Green has provided inspiration for artists for decades.

Its sprawling, manicured green grass, dotted with benches, iconic bandstand,  and the historic homes and architectural structures on its east and west side have long been the focal point of paintings and photographs.

Nearly 50 fine artists will flock to the Green Saturday (July 29), this time to participate in the New Milford Arts Festival.

Lou Mandler, chair of the New Milford Arts Commission and the festival, said organizers hope the festival will shine a spotlight on the town and all it offers, and the arts.

“This (festival) and the town’s drive to become a cultural district will work to make New Milford more of an art destination,” Mandler said.

The event, sponsored by the Town of New Milford’s art commission, will run from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It will be followed by music by The Red Hots.

Artists from New Milford, the region, and out-of-state will participate. 

In addition, a handful of nonprofit arts organizations – such as the Sherman Chamber Ensemble, Merryall Arts, the New Milford Film Commission, and the Sherman Artists Association – will have information booths.

Oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, woodworking, and pottery will be among the mediums highlighted at the festival.

Mandler emphasized the entertainment planned to “draw a crowd.”

Live music, theater and dance performances, and visual art displays will be featured.

The lineup will include John Marshall / Terr Coda at 11 a.m.; Studio D at 12:30 p.m.; Thorne Academy of Dance at 1:30 p.m.; TheatreWorks Kids at 2:30 p.m.; FineLine Theatre Arts at 3 p.m.; and Big Zimmitti Swing Kings at 3:30 p.m.

In addition, patrons can view the mural walk created by students at Northville Elementary, Hill and Plain Elementary, and Sarah Noble Intermediate schools.

The festival is being held the same day as two other downtown offerings: the annual 8-Mile Road Race and 5K, which will end around 10 a.m., and day two of the New Milford Historical Society tag sale, which will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Artist Bill Rice, of Warren, said he is looking forward to being a part of the festival.

“There are a lot of really good artists in this Northwest corner here, and there aren’t a lot of art shows that are out there for these people to showcase their work,” Rice said, explaining one of the reasons why he is excited about the New Milford event.

“Little by little, I think the area could really stand more of these types of (events),” he said. “As the area has grown, we have a lot more people (coming in), and I think they appreciate this stuff.”

Rice is known for his finely crafted bird sculptures, and still-life and landscape paintings.

Matin Malikzada, a seventh-generation Afghan potter who has resided in New Milford with his family for 15 months, will join Rice and other artists at the festival.

“I want to introduce my pieces….my art, and I want to connect with different artists,” Malikzada said of why he will participate.

Since his arrival in the United States, he has learned of the differences between American and Afghan pottery.

“The process and the material (is) very different in Afghanistan,” he said. “But now, after a lot of experimentation, I have learned how to use the materials, kiln, and wheel that is available to me here.”

Now that he has settled into town and the arts community, he is working with his signature color and traditional logo design, and has “developed new colors and new designs.”

“Important, I want to save my traditional style and form, because it is my family work. I also am making new shapes and forms and because I am an artist. This excites me.  

The arts commission has sponsored an ArtWalk in recent years, pairing local artists and businesses. Artists set up tables inside downtown businesses to demonstrate, showcase and sell their art.

Mandler said the ArtWalk has been successful, but this year the commission wanted to do something different and revive a festival similar to the former New Milford Outdoor Arts Festival, which was held from the late 1990s until shortly after 2010.

The Outdoor Arts Festival was a two-day festival, featuring the works of artists and photographers, held on the Green.

“The fact that (an arts festival) is being revived after quite some time, we hope it will draw more people to town," Mandler said. 

Courtesy of Bill Rice/Artist Bill Rice, of Warren, will participate in the festival. At top is a sample of a hand-carved feather and, immediately above, a hand-carved bird.

Courtesy of Terry Tougas/Local photographer and Mine Hill Woodworks owner Terry Tougas will join fellow artists at the festival.

Courtesy of Sergio Villaschi/Warren resident Sergio Villaschi will showcase his still-life photography.

Courtesy of Dennis Stuart/Plein air landscape painter Dennis Stuart will join fellow artists.

Courtesy of Liz Rosiello/Patrons will have an opportunity to view paintings by Liz Rosiello.

Courtesy of Judith Secco/A variety of pieces by artist Judith Secco will be featured at the event.