Call for artists, artisans issued for summer festivals

By Deborah Rose

[Editor's Note as of March 18, 2024: the deadline for the New Milford Arts Festival has been extended. The updated date is reflected in the story.]

Little, if anything, surpasses the stunning beauty of the New Milford Village Green.

It is a living, breathing landscape that has long been a gathering place for celebrations, the hub for community events, and the inspiration for and focal point of art.

The Village Green will unite with art twice this summer in fabulous displays that will showcase and celebrate the creativity and talent of artists and artisans.

The New Milford Arts Festival, presented by the New Milford Commission on the Arts, will return for a second year on the Village Green. It’s scheduled for June 29.

In addition, the Litchfield County Artisans Festival, will call the Village Green home for a second time for its fourth annual event, to be held July 20.

Last year, both events attracted artists and artisans in a variety of mediums, and drew local and out-of-town art enthusiasts, casual shoppers, and booth browsers to New Milford’s iconic Green.

While at the festivals, vendors and shoppers will again have an opportunity to further experience part of the town’s charm through the offerings at the many restaurants, shops and boutiques, and other businesses that make up downtown, and throughout the community.

Organizers of both the New Milford Arts Festival and the Litchfield County Artisans Festival are accepting applications, with the deadline fast approaching for the New Milford Arts Festival.

The deadline to apply for the June 29 arts festival, sponsored by the commission on the arts, was March 15 but has been extended to April 1. 

The Litchfield County Artisans Festival, in partnership with the Town of New Milford, will accept applications through May 24.

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Selected New Milford Arts Festival participants will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their work at booths on the Green June 29.

As it did last year, the festival will feature a variety of artistic expressions. Music, theater and dance performances will be offered throughout the day.

Nearly 50 artists from the town and region participated in the event last year.

The commission is seeking “diverse and innovative artists to enhance the vibrant atmosphere of this event,” according to a press release about the event.

A $50 fee will apply upon approval for participation.

The commission will highlight individual artists on its social media pages, offering exposure to a wider audience.

To apply, visit www.artsnewmilfordct.org.

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Accepted artisans for the Litchfield County Artisans Festival will also have a chance to display and sell their work at booths on the vibrant Green.

The event will unfold July 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food trucks will be on site.

Festival organizers have already received applications from many who participated in the past. New artisans are also welcome.

The deadline to apply is May 24.

High-end craftspeople are sought for the festival, according to organizers. Thirty-party merchandisers will not be considered.

Applications are screened to ensure artisan quality is evident.

In addition, artisans will be selected to offer a fair representation of mediums. No one artisan category will be over-represented. 

Last year’s event attracted more than 80 artisans in a variety of mediums. They hailed New Milford and surrounding towns, as well as from out-of-state.

To request an application, email litchfieldartisans@gmail.com.

The New Milford Commission on the Arts was established by ordinance in 1977. Its mission is to support and encourage the development and appreciation of artistic and cultural experiences in the Town. Experiences include but are not limited to music, theater, dance, film, literature, and visual arts such as painting, sculpture, photography, and architecture. The Commission coordinates or contracts with individuals or organizations to sponsor, fund, or originate cultural and artistic activities.

The Litchfield County Artisans Festival began as a small artisans event in 2020. It outgrew its space and moved outdoors to the New Milford Village Green in 2023. It is organized by the Wittmann family.