Bethel Art Fair is July 5, 6

BETHEL – The Bethel Art Fair, an annual celebration of the diversity of art and artists in western Maine, will take place the evening of Friday, July 5, and all day Saturday, July 6.
“The community has really embraced this event and given it new life in the past few years,” said Jessie Perkins of the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce. “The arts have long been a big part of the fabric of our town and it’s great to witness the number of businesses, organizations, and individuals that make this event full of art of all kinds.”
The Bethel Art Fair is organized by the chamber with substantial collaboration from Bethel Area Arts & Music.
The event kicks off Friday with the 15th annual Shy, Novice and Closeted Art Show. The SNC art show’s reception is at 6:30 p.m. at 18 High St._ _
The Gem Theater also screens “Walking on Water,” a film documenting artist Christo’s huge installation “The Floating Piers” on Italy’s Lake Iseo at 7 p.m., 23 Cross St. The screening is preceeded by a 6 p.m. social with Northern Italian Wines.
Saturday showcases more than 50 artists and food vendors on the town common from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also on the town common will be performances by the Nevaeh Dance Circus and the Telstar High School Drama Club, participatory art projects with BAAM, and a large tent in the center of the common with the work of Scott Lane. Around town, the Philbrook Place will have art on display at Elements Art Gallery and Table Rock Arts Center. Local youth art will be displayed at Gould Academy’s Owen Art Gallery, the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society will be open with several exhibits, DiCocoa’s will be open for making bread art, and Maine CoLab will host an open house with a photography exhibit and jewelry making, an open studio of plein air artists at Isham Farm, and the continuation of the Shy, Novice, and Closeted Art Show.
On Saturday eveningm there will be a parking lot party at The Philbrook Place, and at The Gem Theater will be an art showcase with the work of Stephanie Herbeck, followed by live performances from three musical acts. The event is capped off by fireworks over The Bethel Inn Resort golf course.
This year’s Artist of Honor is Phil McCrillis, a multi-talented sculptor of wood who is also know for his work with gems and jewelry.
A complete schedule is available at www.bethelartfair.com.